red wolf

The red wolf is the world’s most endangered canid, having lost approximately 99.7% of its original territory. Sadly, due to poor management, there are only about 14 known pure red wolves left in the wild. Currently, there are lawsuits to force FWS (Fish & Wildlife Service) and NCWRC (North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission) to protect this Critically Endangered species. Without protection and breeding programs, this species is doomed to extinction! The red wolf is listed as critically endangered by the IUCN.

First the Stats… Scientific name: Canis rufus Weight: Up to 80 lbs. Length: Up to 63 inches, plus their tail Height: Up to 26 inches, at the shoulder Lifespan: Up to 15 years

Now on to the Facts! 1.) These critters are also known as Florida black wolves or Mississippi Valley wolves.

2.) There are currently an estimated 155 captive red wolves residing at 37 captive breeding facilities across the US.

3.) Red wolves are mostly crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk). However, they become diurnal (active during the day) during the winter months.

4.) They prey on white tailed deer , rabbits , raccoons , nutrias , and other rodents .

5.) The red wolf communicates via scent marking, body language, and a range of vocalizations. These vocalizations include the typical howl, a series of barks, growls, and yips.

But wait, there’s more on the red wolf! 6.) A red wolf pack consists of 5 – 6 individuals (the breeding pair and their offspring) and will typically hunt in the same area for about 7 – 10 days, then switch to a new area.

7.) Breeding season lasts from January – March.

Did you know…? Red wolves can run up to 30 mph, while chasing prey!

8.) Females will birth 3 – 6 pups, with more being born on rare occasions.

9.) Red wolves are what is termed an umbrella species, in that they help increase the overall health of their environment.

10.) Their only known competition is from coyotes and grey wolves .

Now a Short Red Wolf Video!

Also, check out the Critter Science YouTube channel . Videos added frequently!

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Competition is most typically considered to be the interaction of species that strive to acquire a common resource that is in limited supply, but more commonly can be termed as the direct or indirect interaction of organisms that leads to a change in health when the organisms share the same resource. Typically neither organism benefits.

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These animals are active during dawn and dusk, or twilight. Animals that are crepuscular are typically so due to the fact that many predators are not active during those times of the day. But as in the case of being diurnal or nocturnal , sometimes the organism is crepuscular in an effort to obtain food that might be present at these times. Mule deer , desert cottontails , coyotes , porcupines , and black-tailed jackrabbits , to name a few, fit into this category.'); toolTips('.classtoolTips31','

An animal that falls into this category is active during the day. Animals that fit this description typically use sight for hunting prey. Others, like turtles , are active during the day as they need the sun\'s rays to aid in the production of vitamin D, which is needed to help process calcium and prevent metabolic bone disease. Hummingbirds rely on the sun as most of the nectar they gather comes from flowers that are open during the day. Cows , dogs , elephants , butterflies , and squirrels , for example, are diurnal.');

red wolf

The Critically Endangered Red Wolf