9 Endangered Red Wolves To Be Released In North Carolina

Red Wolves are one of the most endangered species in the world. Zoo's across the country are working to breed the animals, including the North Carolina Zoo, which welcomed pups last year. And those efforts are working as now nine of the red wolves are set to be released into the wild in North Carolina. Nine of the animals will be released in Alligator River and Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuges. The nine red wolves include a family and two breeding pairs. The animals will come from five different zoo facilities including Zoo Knoxville in Tennessee, according to a press release from the zoo. The release will be gradual, first familiarizing the animals with their new habitat in a fenced-in area.

American Red Wolves are the most endangered canine in the world. There are only 15-20 remaining in the wild. The North Carolina Zoo is one of the zoos participating in the American Red Wolf Recovery Program. The program has wild wolves wearing tracking devices to protect and track them. This is all part of extensive efforts to keep the breed alive.

As found by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission