Protect Red Wolves From Deadly Vehicle Strikes
768 signatures toward our 30,000 Goal
Sponsor: The Animal Rescue Site
Red wolves are on the brink of extinction. Vehicle strikes and poaching decimate their numbers. Act now to protect these endangered creatures and ensure their survival.
The red wolf, once a dominant predator across eastern North America, now faces a dire future. With fewer than 20 individuals left in the wild, this critically endangered species is fighting for survival against overwhelming odds. Urgent action is needed to prevent their extinction and protect these majestic creatures.
Red Wolf Crisis
In the past year alone, vehicle strikes have claimed the lives of four red wolves. One of the most recent victims was Muppet, a juvenile killed while crossing Highway 64 in North Carolina's Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge1. Muppet’s father was also killed by a vehicle just six months earlier along the same stretch of road1. These incidents highlight a disturbing pattern and underscore the urgency of the situation.
Vehicle collisions are a leading cause of red wolf deaths, second only to gunshots1. Without intervention, the few remaining red wolves face a bleak future, continually threatened by the increasing traffic through their habitat.
The Need for Wildlife Crossings
Wildlife crossings are essential for the survival of the red wolf. These structures provide safe passage over or under busy roads, significantly reducing the risk of deadly encounters with vehicles. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has authorized $350 million in federal funds for wildlife crossings nationwide. However, these projects need immediate implementation to be effective2.
An anonymous donor has pledged a $2 million match to support the construction of wildlife crossings in North Carolina, aiming to raise a total of $20 million3. These crossings will not only benefit red wolves but also protect numerous other species, including river otters, bobcats, and black bears. Additionally, they enhance human safety by reducing vehicle collisions with wildlife, which cause more than 200 fatalities and $10 billion in damages annually in the United States2.
Human-Wildlife Conflict
The red wolf's decline began in the 19th century when European settlers viewed wolves as threats to livestock. This led to widespread extermination efforts, including bounty programs that persisted into the 1960s4. By 1967, the red wolf was declared endangered, and by the 1980s, it was nearly extinct in the wild. The Endangered Species Act facilitated a captive breeding program, and reintroduction efforts began in eastern North Carolina4.
Despite these efforts, human-wildlife conflict remains a significant threat. Poaching continues to decimate the red wolf population, with many wolves killed by hunters who mistake them for coyotes or intentionally target them. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service holds that nearly half of the documented red wolf deaths were due to poaching4.
Act Now
The plight of the red wolf is a stark reminder of the impact human activities can have on wildlife. Vehicle strikes and poaching continue to threaten their survival. Wildlife crossings, community involvement, and robust conservation efforts are essential to give the red wolf a fighting chance.
Your support can make a difference. Sign our petition to urge the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to prioritize the allocation and utilization of federal funds for wildlife crossings and implement additional safety measures. Together, we can ensure a better future for the red wolf and preserve our natural heritage for generations to come.
- Will HArlan, Center for Biological Diversity, (2 May 2024), "Beloved Red Wolf Killed by Vehicle Strike in North Carolina."
- Will Harlan, Center for Biological Diversity (30 May 2024), "2 Million Offered for Wildlife Crossings to Protect Endangered Red Wolves."
- Lily Huntsman, Wildlands Network (28 June 2024), "A Call for Crossings: High Toll for Red Wolves."
- Dr. Suzanne Agan, American Public University (22 May 2024), "How Have Humans Impacted Red Wolves?"
The Petition:
To the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
We, the undersigned, write to urgently request the full commitment and action from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to utilize the available federal funding for wildlife crossings and other safety measures crucial to the survival of the endangered red wolf.
The red wolf, once a prevalent species across eastern North America, now teeters on the brink of extinction, with fewer than 20 individuals remaining in the wild. These majestic animals face numerous threats, with vehicle strikes and poaching being the most significant. In the past year alone, vehicle collisions have claimed the lives of four red wolves, including Muppet, a juvenile whose tragic death underscores the urgency of our plea. Poaching continues to decimate their already fragile population, further endangering their existence.
Immediate and decisive action is required to protect these critically endangered wolves. Wildlife crossings are proven to significantly reduce vehicle collisions and provide safe passage for red wolves and other species. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has authorized $350 million in federal funds for wildlife crossings nationwide, yet these projects need swift implementation to make a difference.
We call upon the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to:
- Prioritize the allocation and utilization of federal funds for the construction of wildlife crossings in critical red wolf habitats, particularly along Highway 64 in North Carolina.
- Collaborate with state and federal agencies to expedite the planning and construction of these crossings.
- Implement additional safety measures, such as signage and reduced speed zones, in areas where red wolves are known to cross roads.
- Engage and educate local communities about the importance of these measures and foster support for the red wolf recovery efforts.
By taking these actions, we can significantly reduce the number of red wolf fatalities due to vehicle collisions and create a safer environment for all wildlife. These measures will not only protect the red wolf but also enhance public safety by reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions that cause numerous human fatalities and substantial economic damage each year.
Your leadership and commitment to this cause are essential for ensuring a better future for the red wolf and maintaining the ecological balance of our natural habitats. We urge you to act swiftly and decisively to support and build the necessary infrastructure to safeguard these incredible animals.
Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.
Sincerely,
