More Red Wolf Pups Shows Promising Growth for Critically Endangered Canid

The Red Wolf Recovery Program in North Carolina confirmed the birth of four wild litters of Red Wolf pups in eastern North Carolina, home to the only population of wild Red Wolves in the world. 

“We are thrilled to hear of more Red Wolf pups born in North Carolina, and we join with FWS and the SAFE program partners in celebrating the announcement,” said Heather Clarkson, Southeast outreach representative at Defenders of Wildlife. “This continued growth in the wild population is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Service and its partners, and to nature’s resilience. Red Wolves are survivors, and with public support and space to roam, they can flourish.”  

Four Red Wolf pairs are currently spread across Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge and Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, with an estimated wild population of around 22 adults and between 12-16 pups. 

An increase in private landowner partnerships, SAFE facilities and external partnerships have allowed the Red Wolf Recovery program to sustainably expand while supporting the needs of Red Wolves on the landscape. 

Defenders is and has been heavily involved in Red Wolf recovery since the 1980s through a combination of advocacy, public education and successful litigation.  In 2023, Defenders reached a landmark settlement that requires FWS to use proven successful management measures in the wild Red Wolf population, including annual plans to release wolves into the wild.

The successes of the Red Wolf Recovery Program have served as a model for other large carnivore reintroduction programs across the country.

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