Critically Endangered Red Wolf Killed by Car

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.”

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Steve Hillebrand/USFWS