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Red Wolf
The Red Wolf holds a remarkable record: it was the first species ever brought back from being extinct in the wild. In 1987, captive-bred wolves were released into North Carolina forests — a historic moment in conservation. But today fewer than 20 remain in the wild, and the species is still in serious danger. Your mission: understand what made the comeback possible, and what's holding it back now.
Things to know
- •The Red Wolf was declared extinct in the wild in 1980, and the last wild individuals were brought into captivity.
- •In 1987, captive-bred Red Wolves were reintroduced to North Carolina — the first-ever successful return of an extinct-in-the-wild species to its native habitat.
- •Today only around 20 wild Red Wolves remain — the recovery has stalled.
- •The biggest threats now are being shot by humans and hybridization with coyotes, which moved into their range while the wolves were absent.
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