RED WOLF Canis rufus (Audubon & Bachman) 



Order: CARNIVORA Family: CANIDAE 



Distinguishing characteristics : A medium-sized, slender, wild canid resembling the 

 coyote but larger and more robust; legs and ears relatively longer than in coyote; 

 occurs in two color phases; common and black. Coloration in common phase similar to 

 that of coyote, but tawny element more pronounced; pelage usually somewhat coarser 

 than that of coyote. Slightly smaller than gray wolf (C_. lupus ) , with a more slender 

 and elongated head. Pelage shorter and coarser than in any race of lupus . Legs 

 appear to be longer and ears bigger but actually they are not. 



Present distribution : Extirpated throughout its former range except in eastern Texas 

 and Louisiana. Here, it appears to have hybridized in most areas with coyotes and 

 domestic dogs . Pure populations are thought to occur only in four southeastern Gulf 

 Coast counties of Texas and adjacent Louisiana. 



Former distribution : Southeastern United States from Florida to central Texas, and 

 north to southern Indiana . 



Status : Extremely small numbers and greatly restricted in distribution. 



Estimated numbers : The red wolf was long thought to be more numerous in Texas than 

 it actually was because many coyotes were erroneously identified as red wolves. Its 

 apparent hybridization with coyotes and dogs has also led to confusion with regard to 

 its actual numbers . 



Breeding rate in the wild : Unknown; probably similar to that of the coyote. 



Reasons for decline : Apparently stereotyped and habitual behavioral patterns rendered 

 the animal vulnerable to trapping and hunting pressures . Habitat changes favor the 

 coyote, with which red wolves appear to readily hybridize. Inability of red wolves to 

 compete with the more aggressive coyote that has expanded its range into red wolf 

 territory. Mange, intestinal parasites and heart worms infest much of the population. 



Protective measures already taken : Assignment of field personnel to investigate the 

 problem, resulted in the discovery of a few pure populations in the coastal prairie 

 marshes of the northeastern Texas Gulf Coast. About 300 animals are resident in this 

 region. Management area established in Liberty, Galveston, Harris, Chambers, Jefferson, 

 and Orange Counties, Texas, plus area of Brazoria east of Brazos River and Cameron 

 and Vermilion Parishes, Louisiana, in which only known livestock killers are controlled 

 by Federal agents . These depredating animals are removed alive and transferred to 

 the Wild Animal Propagation Trust of the American Association of Zoological Parks and 

 Aquariums . Education program now underway to discourage control by private 

 individuals . 



Measures proposed : Additional field work to determine the total limits of pure popu- 

 lations of red wolves . Investigate means of placating ranchers in areas where red 



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