Litter Of Endangered Red Wolves Born In The Wild For First Time In 4 Years

More and more wild species on the planet are disappearing, mostly due to the growth and expansion of humankind. Besides thousands of animals already extinct, many others struggle to adapt and survive, and the red wolf is no exception.
Luckily, a new cute litter of red wolfs has brought hope for the future of this critically endangered species.

Source: Red Wolf Recovery Program

According to the Red Wolf Recovery Program, four female and two male red wolf puffs were born in April. This is the first time a red wolf has given birth to adorable puffs in the wild since 2018. Therefore, animal enthusiasts were thrilled when the new litter of puffs was born.

Source: Red Wolf Recovery Program

The newborns were found in the North Carolina-based Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge.
“This red wolf pair was formed through the combination of several management actions and the two red wolves subsequently following their natural instincts in pairing, establishing their territory, and mating. Every generation yields a newborn hope for the red wolf… a cause for joy and celebration!” the Facebook post on the Red Wolf Recovery Program page wrote.

Source: Red Wolf Recovery Program

NPR pointed out that the declining population of red wolfs was the consequence of illegal hunting and habitat destruction. Thus, breeding programs are crucial to protect this animal from extinction.
According to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, there were 38 mating pairs of red wolfs during the breeding season of 2021-2022.

Source: Red Wolf Recovery Program

“As of August 2021, there are approximately 241 red wolves in 45 SSP facilities across the country. In the 2020-2021 breeding season, 30 breeding pairs were established and 23 pups in 6 litters were born,” the agency specified on its website. “Four adults were released into the wild in the NC NEP and 4 pups were fostered to a wild red wolf, leaving 19 pups added to the SSP population. With additional space capacity, and to increase the population, the number of breeding pairs for the 2021-2022 breeding season increased to 38 pairs.”
Do you think these red wolf puffs are adorable? Please leave your thoughts in the comment below, and don't forget to share this good news with your fellow animal lovers!