What issues face red wolves?
There are many different obstacles, both human and natural, that stand in the way of red wolf recovery. From global warming to being hit by cars, red wolves face a great many challenges and dangers. Luckily, most if not all of these issues have the potential to be resolved, provided that the public learns the truth about red wolves and begins to advocate for them.
Wolf Header Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Wolf Header Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
DID YOU KNOW:
|
The largest threat to the red wolf population is hybridization with coyotes, who also inhabit the areas where red wolves live in the wild.
|
What are the main threats to red wolves?
Hybridization with Coyotes
Hybridization with coyotes is the most dangerous and immediate threat to red wolves. Due to the relatively limited numbers of other red wolves to potentially breed with, red wolves may sometimes breed with coyotes, producing hybrids that have a negative effect on the red wolf gene pool. To combat this, nearby coyotes are sterilized to prevent further damage to the red wolf population.
Image source: Public Domain. Please note that this is an image of a coyote and not a red wolf. The circumstances under which this picture was taken are unknown to us. Climate Change
Climate change has a particularly dangerous effect on red wolves in the Albemarle Peninsula region. Sea level rise due to the melting of ice caps contributes to floods in areas red wolves usually live in, and more violent storms can destroy their habitat and food resources. Environmentally-friendly changes in human infrastructure are the only way to prevent this problem from worsening.
Image source: Public Domain |
Vehicular Hazards
There are a number of public and private roads traversing the Albemarle Peninsula, where red wolves live in the wild. As such, red wolves are prone to getting hit by vehicles, a phenomenon that has accounted for a large amount of wolf mortalities despite signs and warnings. More warnings is the primary method being used to combat this dangerous problem.
Image source: Public Domain. Please note that this image does not depict the Albemarle Peninsula and is merely a representation of a similar situation. Habitat Loss
Habitat loss due to human developments such as farms and roadways causes the red wolf population to suffer due to increased human contact and loss of resources. More human contact can lead to more mortalities. Loss of resources would mean increased competition among wolves, leading to starvation or deaths by wolf-wolf conflict. Only mindfulness about developing the area can solve this issue.
Image source: United States Fish and Wildlife Service |
Gunshots and Traps
Due to their similar appearance to coyotes at a young age, red wolves may occasionally be mistaken for coyotes and shot. There have also been intentional gunshot mortalities of red wolves (shooting red wolves is a federal crime). Traps set for other animals can also take their toll on the red wolf population. Investigations and rewards into these mortalities help to deter these types of crimes.
Image source: Public Domain. Please note that this is not the correct type of ammunition that would be used on a wolf/coyote, but we were restricted in images that we could use here. Public Relations
The public's general lack of understanding about red wolves is a significant threat to the future of red wolves. Lack of support and the occasional saboteur makes advocating and researching red wolves exponentially more difficult. The only way this problem can be resolved is through the widespread sharing of information about red wolves, and the negation of falsehoods and rumors.
Image source: Public Domain |
Information sourced from the Red Wolf Coalition and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
