Species MammalsRed Wolf

Red Wolf

Canis rufus

Very rareMammal
Illustration of Red Wolf (Canis rufus)
Safety note: Dangerous — observe from a safe distance.

The Red Wolf is one of the world's most critically endangered canids, now found only in a small reintroduced wild population in eastern North Carolina. It is smaller than the gray wolf but larger than a coyote, with a reddish-tawny coat and long legs. Hybridization with coyotes poses one of the greatest threats to the genetic integrity of the remaining wild population.

Habitat
Coastal prairies, bottomland forests, and wetlands
Diet
White-tailed deer, raccoons, rabbits, and nutria
How common
Very rare

Best time to see a Red Wolf

The best time to see a Red Wolf is October–March, when about 68% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 127 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Recent Red Wolf sightings near you

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