Defenders of Wildlife
08/08/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/08/2025 12:04
New Red Wolf Pups Spark Celebration
Raleigh, N.C.
August 8, 2025
The Red Wolf Recovery Program in North Carolina has confirmed the birth of four wild litters of Red Wolf pups on the Albemarle Peninsula, home to the only population of wild Red Wolves.
"We are thrilled to hear of more Red Wolf pups born in North Carolina, and we join with FWS and the SAFE program partners in celebrating the announcement," said Heather Clarkson, Southeast outreach representative at Defenders of Wildlife. "This continued growth in the wild population is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Service and its partners, and to nature's resilience. Red Wolves are survivors, and with public support and space to roam, they can flourish."
Five Red Wolf pairs are currently spread across the Albemarle Peninsula, with an estimated wild population around 18 adults and between 10-12 pups. Over the last year, human-caused mortality of Red Wolves has decreased. At the same time, an increase in private landowner partnerships, SAFE facilities and external partnerships have allowed the Red Wolf Recovery program to sustainably expand while supporting the needs of Red Wolves on the landscape.
Defenders is and has been heavily involved in Red Wolf recovery since the 1980s through a combination of advocacy, public education and successful litigation. In 2023, Defenders reached a landmark settlement that requires FWS to use proven successful management measures in the wild Red Wolf population, including annual plans to release wolves into the wild.
The successes of the Red Wolf Recovery Program have served as a model for other large carnivore reintroduction programs across the country.
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For over 75 years, Defenders of Wildlife has remained dedicated to protecting all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With a nationwide network of nearly 2.1 million members and activists, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife for generations to come. To learn more, please visit https://defenders.org/newsroomor follow us on X @Defenders.
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Defenders of Wildlife published this content on August 08, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on August 08, 2025 at 18:04 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]