“As we mark the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act, I am honored to attend a mural unveiling ceremony that highlights red wolves and encourages visitors to help conserve our nation’s native wildlife for future generations. “The plight of the red wolf underscores the essential need for creative collaborative partnerships to conserve and recover imperiled species,” said Michelle Eversen, acting Deputy Regional Director for the Service’s Southeast Region.

Today, about 17 to 19 red wolves roam their native habitats in the eastern North Carolina Red Wolf Population Area and approximately 235 red wolves are maintained in 49 Red Wolf SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) facilities throughout the United States. Fish and Wildlife Service initiated efforts to conserve and recover the species. When the red wolf was first designated as threatened with extinction under the Endangered Species Preservation Act in 1967, the U.S. Once common throughout the Eastern and South-Central United States, red wolf populations were decimated by the early 20th century primarily due to intensive predator control programs and habitat degradation. The red wolf is the world’s most endangered wolf species and is the only wolf species that is endemic to the United States. Raising community awareness of red wolves and the work of the Service and partners on red wolf recovery, is the primary goal for the Center’s transformation. Today’s unveiling event was a collaborative effort between the Service, the Coastal Wildlife Refuge Society, Weiler Woods for Wildlife and The Good of the Hive. Under clear April skies, a crowd of onlookers gathered at the Center today to witness the unveiling of The Good of the Hive’s Matt Willey’s extraordinary red wolf mural. Columbia, NC – The Red Wolf Center at Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge has transformed from a once non-descript utilitarian facility to a work of art that Tyrrell County, North Carolina can proudly showcase.

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