| The map shows the probable range of the red wolf when European settlers first came to North America. In the centuries that followed, red wolves were driven almost to extinction, coyotes moved into their former range, and sometimes the two species interbred. The tiny red wolf populations that now exist in the wild are the result of animals that were bred in captivity and then reintroduced. In 1997, biologists counted about 80 red wolves at two locations. In addition, there were 160 animals then living in captivity. In their natural environment, red wolves live in packs and hunt mostly at night, although they may be somewhat active in the daytime in winter. They use dens only to raise their pups.
Also known as:
Southern Wolf, Timber Wolf
Sexual Dimorphism:
Males are about 10% larger than females.
Length:
Range:
1,300-1,700 mm
Weight:
Range:
20-38 kg males; 18-30 kg females
References:
Audubon, J. J., and J. Bachman, 1851. The quadrupeds of North America. New York, 2:240, 334 pp.
Links:
Mammal Species of the World
Click here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account
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