Red Wolf FAQ

Red Wolf Reality and Frequently Asked Questions

Due to their small population size, red wolves are not exceptionally famous animals. As such, the general public often does not know much about them, and many questions and rumors about red wolves and red wolf recovery arise as a result. One of the biggest challenges to red wolf recovery is public misunderstandings and lack of familiarity with red wolves. In order to combat this problem, it is important to understand the truth regarding various red wolf rumors, as well as knowing some of the most commonly overlooked facts about red wolves.

Wolf Header Photo: Chris Crowe (USFWS); edited by Mitch R.

DID YOU KNOW:

Public misunderstandings are some of the most detrimental problems facing red wolf recovery efforts and the survival of red wolves as a whole.

Rumors and Reality

Red wolves have the misfortune of being frequently misunderstood. Many people have preconceptions about wolves that do not consider all aspects of red wolf behavior. As such, there are many rumors that exist regarding red wolves that are detrimental to restoration efforts and public support. The table below lists five of the most prevalent of these rumors, along with the truth about the topics these rumors address.

RUMOR	REALITY
Red wolves are hybrids descended from gray wolves and coyotes.	Research into the origins of red wolves is ongoing, and there is no certainty as to the genetic nature of red wolves.
Red wolves are dangerous to humans.	There are no recorded reports of a red wolf harming or attacking a human being.
Red wolves are bad for the local economy.	Red wolves can help the economy by stimulating tourism, scientific research, and more.
Red wolves are bad for the ecosystem.	Red wolves help increase biodiversity by spurring genetic strengthening of prey populations. The carcasses of decomposing prey can also help provide food for scavenging animals as well as replenish nutrients in the soil.
Red wolves are pests.	Red wolves help control agricultural "pest" populations such as those of mice, rats, and deer.

Frequently Asked Red Wolf Questions

Many people have important questions about red wolves, and answering these questions is a critical step in educating the public about the true nature of red wolves. Below are some of the most frequently asked red wolf questions and answers.

QUESTION

What are the physical and genetic differences between the red wolf and the grey wolf?

What is the life expectancy of a red wolf in the wild?

How many litters can the female have? How many pups are in a litter?

Why do people kill them?

What sounds do red wolves make?

ANSWER

Red wolves are generally smaller and lighter than grey wolves. While grey wolves can be grey, white, or black, red wolves are usually a mix of red, brown, black, and creamy white. Theories about the origin of red wolves is riddled with controversy, but it is certain that red wolves are not related to grey wolves.

Red wolves usually live for up to seven years in the wild, and up to 15 years when in a captive environment.

Red wolves reach reproductive maturity around 2 years old, and usually have up to five litters in their lifetime. Every litter has an average of around six pups.

While animal activists and wolf advocates may contend that there are no justifiable reasons to kill red wolves (or other animals), many other people argue that red wolves may pose a threat to other natural wildlife, livestock, or even humans themselves. However, red wolves are only opportunistic when hunting for food, and only take what is easily available, so nonlethal precautions can easily be taken. Furthermore, there is no record of a red wolf attack on a human.

While intentional red wolf killiings are rare, and there are laws prohibiting such actions, red wolves can also be mistaken by hunters for coyotes due to their similarities in appearance. This is a common cause of red wolf gunshot mortalities.

Red wolves make many different vocalizations, including howls, yips, and whining noises. You can hear some examples of these vocalizations on our behavior page.

You can find even more frequently asked questions and answers about red wolves and red wolf recovery on the United States Fish and Wildlife Service's red wolf website.

Information sourced from public surveys (to determine important rumors and questions), the Red Wolf Coalition, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and corresponding editors.