US Fish and Wildlife Service begins five-year status review for the red wolf population

The US Fish and Wildlife Service is beginning a five-year status review for the red wolf population.

The red wolf is one of the world’s most endangered animals.

It was once common throughout the southeastern United States, but their populations were decimated by the 1960s due to intensive predator control programs and loss of habitat.

At one point the species was depleted to fewer than 20 animals, most of which were captured to help in the breeding program.

The federal government spends $1.2 million dollars a year on red wolf recovery - more than any other recovery initiative in the Southeast Region. 

St. Vincent Island in Franklin County is one of three Wildlife refuges taking part in the red wolf program.

The first pair of red wolves were placed on St. Vincent island in 1990.

Most of the animals, once they are large enough, are moved to the Alligator River Wildlife Refuge in North Carolina, where they are released into a larger population.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is currently seeking information from citizens, the conservation and academic communities, and anyone interested in the red wolf’s status and recovery.

A 60-day information-gathering period began October 31.

Information on how to make comments is available on this story on the Oyster Radio facebook page and at Oysterradio.com.

*Please submit information on the red wolf to:  *Aaron Valenta at the
Service’s Southeast Regional Office, 1875 Century Boulevard, Atlanta, GA
30345; fax 404–679–7081; email at aaron_valenta@fws.gov.

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