With a wild population comprising fewer than 100 individuals inhabiting the shores of North Carolina, the red wolf (Canis rufus) is among the most threatened canids globally. A Species Survival Plan (SSP) captive breeding initiative was established for the revival of this at-risk wolf. One of the centers involved in this restoration effort is the WNC Nature Center in Asheville, North Carolina.
The WNC Nature Center houses seven endangered red wolves.
On April 28, 2023, nine red wolf pups were born to Oak and Gloria, two three-year-old wolves. The pups are expected to emerge from their den and begin exploring their enclosure shortly (they may already be outside), so whenever you visit Asheville, be sure to stop by the Nature Center to see the red wolves!
The red wolf featured in the photo is Mayo, a red wolf who was at the Center during my time as a volunteer. In 2012, she gave birth to a litter of four puppies (two females and two males). This not only brings delight and joy to visitors of the WNC Nature Center, but these puppies also play a significant role in enhancing the gene pool of this critically endangered species.
Spotting a red wolf in the wild is not just challenging; it is nearly unattainable. Rarely, a visitor may catch sight of one in the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. Your best bet is to visit a zoo or nature center that participates in the red wolf captive breeding initiative. The Red Wolf Coalition maintains a list of the 42 accredited facilities in the U.S. where red wolves can be seen.
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Cristina Garcia
Zoologist and wildlife photographer. She has worked in the field with jackals, wolves, cheetahs, and leopards. She is a member of the Board of Directors of SEE Turtles, a non-profit dedicated to sea turtle conservation.
Read her posts at Travel For Wildlife and see more of her work at Truly Wild and Our Wild Yard.