Red Wolves Urgently Need Wildlife Crossings


Five red wolves have been killed by vehicles in the past year. Among them are Airplane Ears, the breeding male of the largest remaining pack, and his son Muppet, who was hit six months after his father. Vehicles strikes are now the leading cause of mortality for red wolves. Wildlife crossings are urgently needed in the red wolves' last refuges.

Critically endangered red wolves urgently need wildlife crossings in their last remaining refuges. 

Fewer than 20 red wolves remain in the wild, and five have been killed by vehicles since last year.

Muppet (2410M) was killed by vehicle strike in April, just six months after his father Airplane Ears (2323M) was also killed by vehicle strike. In July and December 2023, red wolves were also killed by vehicle collisions.

Vehicle strikes are now the leading cause of mortality for red wolves.

Wildlife crossings will benefit red wolves and many other species at the Alligator River and Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuges, including river otters, spotted turtles, bobcats, and black bears.

Wildlife crossings also protect human lives. Wildlife collisions claim the lives of hundreds of people each year, and they cause $10 billion in damages annually. Wildlife crossings would safeguard the health of critically endangered red wolves and an increasing number of motorists traveling to and from the Outer Banks.

Significant new federal funding is now available for wildlife crossings and other wildlife safety measures near roads. Wildlife crossings for red wolves should be a national priority. Please prioritize wildlife crossings and more safety measures for critically endangered red wolves.

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