Did You Know North Carolina Is Home To The Only Wild Population Of Red Wolves In The World?

Did you know North Carolina is home to the world's most endangered wolf? At one time, Red wolves roamed throughout the eastern seaboard from Pennsylvania to Florida and even out west into Texas. Today, you can only find them in North Carolina’s lovely Albemarle Peninsula. When the red wolf was first officially designated as a species that was threatened with extinction, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service began efforts to conserve and recover the species. Today, approximately 17 red wolves roam their native habitats in eastern North Carolina as an experimental population, and about 241 live in 45 captive breeding facilities throughout the country.

This red wolf was spotted at Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge in East Lake, North Carolina.

Today, red wolves primarily inhabit the marshy, wooded areas of this refuge located on the Albemarle Peninsula in northeastern North Carolina.

These adorable black bears are a much more common sight.

But wait - we're not talking about them.

The refuge was established in 1984 to protect the rare Pocosin wetlands and their associated wildlife.

Did you know North Carolina is such an enchanted place?

A couple more red wolves were spotted crossing the countryside at the refuge.

The next two photos were also taken at the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge where folks were lucky enough to see the elusive creatures.

Red wolf populations were destroyed by the early 20th century due to collisions with vehicles, habitat loss, gunshot mortality, and hybridization.

Did you know North Carolina has a Prey for the Pack Program to which private landowners who are committed to improving wildlife habitat can apply?

As of 2022, Prey for the Pack has approximately 1,000 acres enrolled in habitat improvement and management, with each contract valid for 10 years. Learn more about the program on the Prey for the Pack web page.

You can see how easily their habitat can camouflage them.

The Red Wolf Center is located at the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge in Columbia on the Albemarle-Pamlico Peninsula.

The center is temporarily closed but will reopen soon. Check the Red Wolf Center web page for updates and more information.

Here a pair of red wolves born and bred in captivity receive regular health checks and you can watch them through the cool viewing area. They have a volunteer caretaker.

Did you know North Carolina was home to these extraordinary red wolves? Have you been to the wildlife refuges mentioned in the story? If you've seen some of these beautiful creatures, please share your experience in the comments below.

While you're exploring wild animal sites, visit the Coastal North Carolina National Wildlife Refuges Gateway Visitor Center which offers more information about endangered red wolves and other animals. You can order a book about red wolves on the Barnes & Noble website.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/north-carolina/coolest-visitor-center-in-nc/