Birth of NC red wolf litters shows ‘incredible’ species recovery success

Four litters were born for the last surviving population of red wolves in the U.S., located in eastern North Carolina.

Heather Clarkson, Southeast outreach representative for Defenders of Wildlife, said the Red Wolf Recovery Program has been a major success, especially considering the population was only seven wild wolves five years ago. News of the new litters is a major accomplishment, she said.

“While 20 to 30 now seems low, when you compare to where we were just a few years ago, this is actually pretty incredible,” Clarkson explained.

While there has been downsizing at the federal level, Clarkson pointed out the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has continued to be a good partner in red wolf recovery. She added the success can also be attributed to groups such as the Red Wolf Coalition, North Carolina Wildlife Federation, Wildlands Network and Champions for Wildlife, which each bring a different skillset to the table in the recovery efforts.

There were an estimated 18 adult red wolves and 10-12 pups in the wild before the four litters were born.

Clarkson stressed the most important aspect of the recovery has been collaborating with locals.

“Really just making a big, concerted effort to hear their concerns, their fears, hear their wants, what do they need,” Clarkson outlined. “And try to not even meet them halfway; meet them right where they are, and be a force of collaboration.”

Clarkson emphasized red wolf recovery has a bright future ahead if collaboration among organizations and local people continues.

“If we continue ahead in the same way that we’ve been going over the last few months, last few years, we’re going to see success,” Clarkson projected. “And that success is going to hopefully result into more populations of red wolves in the United States and more groups dedicated to their recovery.”

Related: Endangered species in NC: What they are and how to help