Five Critically Endangered Red Wolf Pups Die After Father’s Fatal Accident: Less Than 20 Remain In The Wild

A pair of red wolf pups that are part of the Red Wolf Recovery Program. Photo by: Ryan Nordsven/ USFWS

We are deeply saddened to report the death of five critically endangered red wolf pups, who tragically passed away after their father was struck by a vehicle in their last remaining refuge in eastern North Carolina.

“The tragic deaths of these five pups might have been prevented if we had wildlife crossings in red wolf country,” said Will Harlan, a senior scientist at the Center for Biological Diversity. “It’s shocking to see how a single vehicle collision can have ripple effects across the critically endangered red wolf population. Wildlife crossings can protect both people and red wolves from extinction, but we need to build them before it’s too late.”

This past spring, a 2-year-old female red wolf named Chance (designated 2413F by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) gave birth to five pups with her mate, 2444M. Tragically, the father was struck and killed by a vehicle shortly after the pups were born. In the past 14 months, five other red wolves have also been killed by vehicles in the area.

Red wolves are monogamous and mate for life, with both parents sharing the responsibility of raising their young. As a first-time mother left to care for the pups alone, Chance was likely unable to provide sufficient food and care, leading to the loss of the entire litter.

Red wolves are critically endangered, with fewer than 20 individuals remaining in the wild, making them the most endangered wolf species on the planet. Native to the southeastern U.S., they were once widespread but now survive only in North Carolina’s Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge due to intensive predator control programs and loss of habitat. Vehicle collisions, especially along Highway 64, have become a leading cause of death. Conservation efforts, including captive breeding and reintroduction programs, continue, but red wolves face significant challenges to their survival.

“Every Red Wolf is essential and the loss of these five pups is especially heartbreaking – unbeknownst to them, they were carrying the future of their endangered species on their shoulders. Their father’s death earlier in the summer, and the fracture of their family and their subsequent deaths, could have been prevented. Let’s work to make the wild safer for Red Wolves,” Regan Downey, Director of Education for Wolf Conservation Center told WAN.

Wildlife crossings along Highway 64 would benefit more than two dozen other species, including black bears, bobcats, spotted turtles, and river otters.

These crossings also protect human lives. Wildlife collisions kill more than 200 people in the United States every year and cause $10 billion in damages. Wildlife crossings have been shown to reduce vehicle collisions by 97%. Crossings along Highway 64 would safeguard both animals and the increasing number of motorists traveling to and from the Outer Banks.

The Center and its partners are leading a campaign to build wildlife crossings along Highway 64. An anonymous donor has pledged a $2 million match to fund them, and the campaign has already raised more than $1 million. Meeting the campaign’s fundraising goal is critical to securing federal funding that will match gifts five times over, ultimately raising more than $20 million to build wildlife crossings in the red wolf refuge.

The wildlife crossing fundraising deadline has been extended to October 31st. Donations to the matching fund can be made at SaveRedWolves.org or by contacting Gretchen Mais at gmais@biologicaldiversity.org or (520) 345-5733.

You can also support organizations like the Wolf Conservation Center who participates in recovery programs for red wolves, HERE!