Columbia, NC

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service confirmed this week that a 4-year-old Red Wolf has been killed in a roadway collision with a vehicle. The wolf was one of four previously captive adult wolves released into the wild in late April, as required by a recent court decision. With roughly 20 wolves left in the wild near Alligator River on the Albemarle Peninsula, the Red Wolf is the world’s most endangered wolf species. This Red Wolf was the second roadway death this year.

Ben Prater, Southeast program director at Defenders of Wildlife, issued the following statement: 

“With just a few Red Wolves remaining in the wild, even a single wolf death is a major setback. This tragic loss demonstrates why we must stand firm to ensure that more captive Red Wolves are released into the wild. It also reminds us of the critical need to safely coexist with wildlife, especially along our roadways.”

Image
Red wolf
Steve Hillebrand/USFWS

 

 

 

For over 75 years, Defenders of Wildlife has remained dedicated to protecting all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With a nationwide network of nearly 2.1 million members and activists, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife for generations to come. To learn more, please visit https://defenders.org/newsroom or follow us on X @Defenders.

  

News

Image
2021.08.11 - Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge - Federal Lands Team Tour of Wildlife Refuges - Barb Buchholz.jpg
Washington, D.C.

Department of Interior’s “Emergency Declaration” Suppresses Public Input and Strips Safeguards for Endangered Species

Last night, the Trump administration announced emergency procedures to fast-track oil, gas, and mining projects on national lands. The emergency procedures remove opportunities for meaningful
Image
Andre Johnson / iStock Photo
Washington, DC

Defenders Endorses Bills to Secure a Future Against Offshore Drilling

Defenders of Wildlife today endorsed a suite of bills introduced in Congress to safeguard U.S. coastal waters against the threat of offshore oil and gas