The red wolf (Canis rufus) is known as “America’s wolf” for a reason: it’s the only large predator whose historic range is found only within the United States. Sadly, it’s also the world’s most endangered species of wolf, and the most endangered canid overall; it’s categorized as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List. Historically, red wolves were common in the southeastern U.S., with a range extending from the bayous of East Texas to the bays of coastal New York. Now, the only states with a wild population of red wolves are North Carolina, where the majority of wild red wolves live, and Florida, where a handful live on an island refuge. As of February 2025, the entire confirmed population of red wolves in the wild consists of 16 individuals.

How did this keystone predator end up in such dire straits? Red wolf populations began to decline as early as the 1700s. European settler-colonizers viewed wolves as an imminent threat to both their livestock and the big game they hunted. In an effort to eliminate this perceived threat, they offered bounties to hunters who killed the wolves. The red wolf population began to plummet more drastically in the early 20th century due to habitat destruction and predator control programs that targeted red wolves. The numbers of wild red wolves became so low that the Endangered Species Preservation Act of 1966 included red wolves on the U.S.’s very first government list of threatened and endangered species. However, despite a captive breeding program and protected status under the 1973 Endangered Species Act, red wolves were declared extinct in the wild in 1980.

All is not lost, however. There is an ongoing effort to introduce captive-bred red wolves into the wild. In 1987, eight red wolves (four breeding pairs) were released into the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge in northeastern North Carolina, reestablishing a wild population. This was the first “rewilding” experiment of its kind. The new wild population has had its ups and downs; red wolf numbers went from 100 individuals in 2014 to the current population of 16. 

Many factors contribute to this population decline, some of which can’t be controlled, such as disease, parasitic infections, and hybridization with coyotes. Still, human behavior is a major contributor to this species’ struggle. Red wolves are sometimes mistaken for coyotes and shot by humans, or caught in traps meant for other animals. Vehicular accidents also account for a number of red wolf fatalities. Red wolves aren’t dangerous to humans and pose little threat to livestock, but according to a study published in Biological Conservation, 11% of hunters in the red wolf recovery area said that they would kill any wolf they encountered.

Reintroduction efforts are ongoing. Though a 2022 release of 10 red wolves into the North Carolina recovery area resulted in most of the released wolves dying or being returned to captivity, conservation efforts continue to evolve. In order to reduce the likelihood of released red wolves being mistaken for coyotes and shot, all released red wolves are fitted with reflective bright orange radio collars that both track the wolves and improve their visibility at night. Furthermore, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) collaborates with the North Carolina Wildlife Federation to place electronic signage along nearby roads to warn drivers when red wolves are nearby. FWS personnel track newly released wolves closely and remove them from the area if they wander too close to roadways.

National Geographic Explorer, filmmaker and wildlife and conservation photographer Jessica Suarez has documented red wolf recovery throughout her National Geographic Society-funded project titled “Recovery and Redemption of the Red Wolf in the American South." She has seen the struggles and successes of this species firsthand, and she has also seen how everyday people play a vital role in protecting America’s wolf. Suarez recommends the following methods for anyone looking to help red wolves:

1. If you just learned about red wolves, share their story with someone else today!
2. Follow news and updates on the Red Wolf Recovery Program on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s website.
3. Be careful while driving through red wolf territory in eastern North Carolina and look for wildlife who may be crossing the roads, especially after dark.
4. Watch red wolves on the Red Wolf Education Center’s live webcam or on the Wolf Conservation Center’s live webcam.
5. Support red wolf recovery by visiting captive red wolves at zoos and nature centers around the United States.
6. Visit and support wild red wolves and the places they call home. Remember to report sightings, maintain a 100 yards distance while photographing the wolves, and share photos of them responsibly.

Protecting endangered species like red wolves is something that anyone can participate in, no matter who you are or where you come from. You can also look into supporting other wildlife reintroduction programs that are local to you. For example, the World Economic Forum has compiled a list of eight endangered species that have been reintroduced to the wild around the world. U.S. residents, the American Zoo Association engages in several reintroduction efforts that you can support. Together we can spread the word and make a difference.