Resembling its relative the coyote, the red wolf is larger and similarly colored in reddish gray, but with a more pronounced tawny muzzle. They are thought to mate for life and can have as many as seven pups in a litter but more generally two to six. Their dens are in existing hollow spaces and they will also excavate into sand knolls in coastal regions. Their diet consists of whatever small mammals are available, such as rabbits and nutria, although studies at Alligator River NWR show that they will predate deer as well, behavior that has not been experienced at St. Vincent NWR.

The major causes for the disappearance of red wolves are two: loss of habitat and extensive killing. Much of the suitable forest and hardwood river bottom habitats have been cleared, eliminating many of the large 25 to 50 square mile living spaces that red wolves require. Perhaps worse yet was the trapping, poisoning, and shooting that was done to exterminate them in response to raids on livestock. Attacks on humans occur only through provocation.

Were it not for the extensive habitat types and professional expertise present on national wildlife refuges, the restoration of endangered wildlife species would be significantly more difficult.

Red Wolf Picture Provided by: Henson Robinson Zoo

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