Red Wolf Education & Outreach

The Problem

Red Wolf Population is on the Decline

Red wolves used to roam throughout the eastern seaboard from Pennsylvania to Florida and as far west as Texas. Today, North Carolina’s Albemarle Peninsula is home to the only confirmed wild red wolves in existence.

While red wolves play a vital and unique biological role within their ecosystem, the species has declined more than 85 percent in the last decade (2020-2010) from roughly 130 to 15 wolves.

Habitat loss, vehicle collision, gunshot mortality and hybridization with coyotes threaten the future of red wolves in North Carolina. A healthy red wolf recovery program is critical to ensure a sustainable population.

The Solution

Red Wolf Education Centers

Trapping and relocation efforts in Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge and Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge will help create new breeding pairs. Red wolf pup introduction will increase genetic diversity. Coyote sterilization will help reduce hybridization. And outreach and education will reduce conflict and grow awareness and acceptance of red wolves.

Through our partnerships with the USFWS, National Wildlife Refuge Association, National Wildlife Federation and private landowners, we’re working on the ground in Columbia, North Carolina. We operate the Red Wolf Education and Health Care Facility to provide educational materials and seminars on red wolves. It is also a space to conduct regular health checks on wolves and is home to a pair of captive red wolves that you can see in person and watch on our 24-hour live streaming red wolf camera.

We also improve visitor services at Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge Visitor’s Center to grow interest in wildlife and habitat of the area with special focus on red wolves. We also advocate for the natural resources of the Albemarle Peninsula at the local, state, and federal level to protect red wolf habitat and bring needed travel and tourism dollars to the “Yellowstone of the East”.

What We're Doing