Red wolves were native to the entire Southeastern United States, but have been absent from most areas since the 1950s. They ranged in forests and brushy areas and preyed upon deer, rabbits, raccoons and other small mammels.

Predator control programs and habitat destruction lead them toward extinction. Surviving individuals often hybridized with the more prolific coyotes leading to further reduction in the species.

By 1980 the Red Wolf was extinct in the wild. About 300 individual still survive, the offspring of about 2 dozen removed from the wild in the '70s. These have been bred in capitivity and released on some public lands. With luck, further introductions into the wild and predator educational programs will help re-establish this beautiful animal.

after J. Sternburg, Missouri Conservationist 12/99