What are the biggest threats to Red Wolves?Updated 5 months ago

Below are past, current, and future factors that have, are, or could affect the Red Wolf (both the SAFE and wild populations). Threats are not mutually exclusive, as one can trigger another or exacerbate the impacts of another. 

- Small population size and associated inbreeding depression that decrease species resiliency and exacerbates impacts of other threats (SAFE and wild populations)

- Anthropogenic-related mortality, including gunshot, vehicle strikes, management mortality, poisoning and other suspected illegal activity (wild population)

- Coyote hybridization/introgression (wild population)

- Negative public perception of canids that may undermine recovery efforts and could exacerbate some threats above (wild population)

- Future habitat loss from sea level rise and increased flooding (wild population)

- Future habitat loss from development (wild population)

- Disease and parasites (SAFE and wild populations)

- Intraspecific strife, including territorial competition between Red Wolves (SAFE and wild populations)”

[From USFWS Revised Recovery Plan 2023]

To learn more, visit our partner directly at fws.gov/project/red-wolf-recovery-program.