Species · GBIF taxon 5219186
Red Wolf
Canis rufusAlso known as Florida Wolf, Mississippi Valley Wolf
Red wolves are highly social canids that form close-knit family packs led by a dominant breeding pair. They communicate through a complex system of high-pitched, musical howling that distinguishes them from both coyotes and gray wolves. These secretive predators play a vital role in controlling rodent and deer populations across their remaining coastal plain habitats.
CrepuscularPack Hunter
—observations
—countries
—peak records
EndangeredConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXEndangeredRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- White-tailed Deer
- Raccoons
- Marsh Rabbits
Predators
- Humans
- Coyotes
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, hybridization with coyotes, vehicle collisions, and illegal shooting
HabitatsCoastal prairies, swamps, pine forests, and agricultural fields
Life span6 to 8 years in the wild, up to 15 years in captivity
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- SpeciesCanis rufus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Shy and elusive; maintain a respectful distance to avoid triggering defensive behavior.
- Why it is dangerous
- Capable of delivering a powerful defensive bite if cornered, injured, or defending their pups.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for a reddish-brown coat, long legs, tall ears, and a size intermediate between a coyote and a gray wolf.
- What to do
- Never corner or approach a wolf; back away slowly while maintaining eye contact if one approaches.
- What to notice
- Distinguished by their slender build, reddish ears and legs, and distinctive vocalizations.
- Support conservation
- Observe strictly from a distance with binoculars and never disclose den locations publicly.
Responsible observation
- Keep Distance: Never approach or attempt to feed a wild wolf, as this habituates them to humans.
- Secure Attractants: Keep pet food and garbage secured to prevent drawing wolves near residential areas.
- Report Sightings: Document and report any sightings to local wildlife agencies to aid conservation efforts.
Competitor and Hybridizer Yathin S Krishnappa / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Primary Prey USDA photo by Scott Bauer / Public domain · cc0
Close Relative User:Mas3cf / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
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