Red wolves are a genetically distinct species, according to a study published in late March by the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Congress ordered the genetic testing because of claims that red wolves were no longer a distinct species due to their interbreeding with coyotes. This study settles the debate that red wolves, considered critically endangered, are a unique species and can be listed under the federal Endangered Species Act.
The only habitat for red wolves in the wild is on the Albemarle Peninsula in Eastern North Carolina, home to less than 30 wolves. In 2018, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released a plan to reduce the wolves’ protected habitat by nearly 90 percent. This plan was blocked by a federal judge in November 2018, along with a proposal that would have allowed people to kill the wolves outside of their preserves.
Despite the small amount of wild wolves, there are over 200 red wolves in captivity around the country. A litter of six pups was born in Durham, N.C., on Earth Day. — By Jen Kirby
Related Articles
Latest News
More Stories
Signs of Life
In the Nantahala National Forest, a team of biologists spotted Indiana bats, an endangered species that hasn’t been seen in North Carolina for the last 11 years.
‘First Line of Defense’
During Hurricane Helene and its aftermath, rural fire departments and other first responder hubs played critical roles in keeping their communities safe, even without power and cut off from outside support for days or weeks after the storm. Two years later, plenty of work remains to ensure these hubs have the resources they need to operate day to day and be ready when emergencies or natural disasters strike.
The Rocky Road — and Bridge — to Recovery
Hurricane Helene is estimated to have damaged nearly 7,000 private roads and bridges in Western North Carolina. Two years later, many restoration projects are complete, but the journey hasn’t been easy — and isn’t over for others.
After 20 Years, Letcher County Prison Proposal Is Still Alive, Though Obstacles Remain
A $605 million proposal for a federal prison on a former strip mine site in Letcher County, Kentucky, championed by U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers, refuses to die, despite local opposition, a lack of support from the executive branch and numerous other obstacles.
The Washout and Rebuild
For nearly two years, residents of Unicoi County, Tennessee, have had to make do without a hospital after Hurricane Helene destroyed the rural hospital. Ballad Health, which owns the hospital, broke ground on a new location — in another floodplain — in August 2026.
The Shenandoah Salamander
The Shenandoah salamander is a woodland salamander, which has adapted to life at higher elevations away from water. This sparkling rarity lives among the dry leaves, cracked logs, and stony hillocks on the highest peaks of Shenandoah National Park.
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Leave a Comment