Red Wolf Education Campaign

Red Wolf Identification Guide

Human-caused mortality continues to be the leading cause of red wolf deaths. Recently, the occurrences of red wolves killed by gunshot have risen. Many of these incidents are accidents caused by the similarities in appearance between red wolves and coyotes, resulting in red wolves mistakenly killed by coyote hunters. For this reason, Defenders of Wildlife partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Red Wolf Recovery Team and the Red Wolf Coalition to produce a red wolf identification guide for hunters.  The guide is being distributed to hunter safety and education classes, hunt clubs, outfitters and participants at hunting events, particularly in the five-county red wolf recovery area in northeastern North Carolina. The 2-page guide, printed on a card about the size of a hunting license, urges hunters not to shoot in the areas inhabited by red wolves and offers pictures showing the similar features of the two canids.

Download the Red Wolf Identification Guide

Red Wolf Educational Kiosks

Defenders is working to educate local communities about the true nature of the wolf, its role in ecosystems and finding ways to minimize conflict with humans. Without public support, the red wolf’s future is still uncertain.

Defenders recently unveiled red wolf educational displays throughout northeastern North Carolina. Collaborating with FWS, the Red Wolf Coalition and the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, the unveiling event took place in May of 2005 at the Outer Banks Welcome Center. The displays offer key facts about the species and the recovery program while noting the environmental and economic benefits red wolves bring to this region. The event also showcased the Service’s new exhibit featuring studying mounts of a red wolf, coyote and gray wolf.

The red wolf kiosks are located at the North Carolina Department of Transportation rest stop on highway 64 in Plymouth; the Walter B. Jones Center for the Sounds in Tyrrell County; Goose Creek State Park along Highway 264; the North Carolina Aquarium at Roanoke Island, the Walter L. Stasavich Science and Nature Center in Greenville; and the Outer Banks Welcome Center on Roanoke Island.Support for these projects was provided by the Alex C. Walker Educational and Charitable Foundation.

Red Wolf Howling Safaris

Red Wolf Howling Safaris offer another opportunity to educate the public about red wolves. Led by Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge staff and the Red Wolf Coalition, red wolf enthusiasts are taken on an exciting adventure through the refuge to learn about red wolves and look for fresh wolf tracks.

At each event, participants also join in a group howl in hopes that the wolves will howl back. Howlings take place throughout the summer with occasional events taking place throughout the year.

Read about a howling safari in the Spring 2005 issue of Defenders Magazine, and register for a howling online or call (252) 796-5600.