Red Wolf


Researched by: David and Sam


Photo taken from the National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Mammals

Red Wolf

canis rufus

Description

The Red Wolves head, ears, and legs all have a reddish tint other parts range from light tan to black. Its smaller than the gray wolf weighing from 45 to 80 pounds and has larger ears and legs.

Habitat

It tries to stay away from agricultural areas. It can easily adapt to live in a variety of habitats such as temperate deciduous forest. They live mostly around marsh areas.

Diet and Feeding Habits

They prefer the white tailed deer and racoon, but will eat all most any small animal available, like rabbits, squirrels, rodents and fish.

Breeding Habits and Offspring

Usually the highest ranking male and female will breed. Breeding season is January in low latitudes. Pups born 63 days after breeding, and they will have an average of six pups.

Extinct and Reintroduced

The Red Wolf is extinct from Missouri. They are only reintroduced to the islands, so they would only mate with their own kind. There are 151 red wolves in the United States and they are in captivity.

Significant Findings

The red wolf is mainly nocturnal, but tends to be more diurnal in winter. The red wolf can exist alongside human, but is less adaptable than the coyote.



Return to Table of Contents


Last Updated 23 februari 1998 by Marionville Public Schools