About the Red Wolf

The red wolf (Canis rufus) is a native North American canid intermediate in size between coyotes (C. latrans) and gray wolves (C. lupus). Weighing 45 to 80 pounds, red wolves are about five feet long from nose to tail and stand roughly 26 inches at the shoulder. As their name suggests, red wolves are known for the characteristic reddish color of their fur most apparent behind the ears and along their neck and legs.

Red wolves are social animals that live in packs consisting of a breeding adult pair and their offspring of different years, typically five to eight animals. Pups are born annually in April and May. Red wolves prey on a variety of wild mammals such as raccoon, rabbit, white-tailed deer, nutria and other rodents. Most active at dusk and dawn, red wolves are elusive and generally avoid humans and human activity.

More Resources: Red Wolf Facts USFWS Red Wolf Species Profile Red Wolf vs. Coyote USFWS Red Wolf Brochure Red Wolf Species factsheet (PDF)