Spring brings red wolf pups!

Spring is a special time of year for the field biologists with the Red Wolf Recovery Program. The days are getting longer, the temperatures are warming, and red wolves will soon be giving birth to pups!

These two female pups, born to the Kilkenny pack on or about April 18, 2010, were estimated to be about 7 to 8 days old when found. Red wolves rear their young in dens of shallow depressions with dense vegetation for cover or in deep burrows along the slopes of brushy windrows or canal banks. They also may create a den at the base of a large tree, which is where these two pups were found. Pregnant females may dig several dens during the breeding season. Den areas are used from April through July, corresponding to the whelping and pup-rearing periods. Litter sizes can range from 1 to 11 pups, with an average of four pups per litter.

Are there alligators at Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge?

This alligator is a frequent spring and summertime traffic stopper along the section of Highway 64 that cuts through Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. The photo was taken on a warm, sunny morning in early April when one of the first 'gator jams' of the season indicated that winter hibernation was officially over. Northeastern North Carolina represents the northern extent of the alligator's range in the United States. -- Ryan

Sandy Ridge entertainer moves to Jacksonville Zoo

Staff working at Sandy Ridge, the Red Wolf Recovery Program's captive-breeding facility at Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, have been substantially less entertained as of late. On February 8, 2010, a male red wolf (SB#1390), known for antics ranging from strutting around and chewing on trees in an attempt to display his toughness to playing a game of "keep away" with an unsuspecting biologist’s backpack, was sent to the Jacksonville Zoo in Florida. There he will be paired with his new lady-friend and put on display to share his antics with a wider audience than just refuge staff. The captive-breeding facility at Sandy Ridge is part of the Species Survival Plan® Program, and as such, is involved in an annual transfer of red wolves among zoos and facilities across the nation for breeding purposes and to maximize genetic diversity of the species. -- Ryan

Caretaker's Cabin

As a volunteer caretaker with the Red Wolf Recovery Program I live in a primitive cabin in the heart of a pocosin wilderness while caring for the captive wolves. This unique opportunity enables me to frequently encounter the diversity of wildlife here at Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. Its truly an unforgettable experience! -- DJ

Mount Rufus (not the one in Tasmania!)

When vehicles and wildlife collide, wildlife rarely come out the winner. This male red wolf was killed when struck by a vehicle while crossing Highway 45 just west of Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. Although he is no longer part of the wild red wolf population, he will continue to serve the educational needs of the Red Wolf Recovery Program as a taxidermic mount.

How did you spend your morning?

0815 Hrs. -- Having just taken off from the Manteo Airport for today's telemetry flight, I get a nice look at the township of Manns Harbor and the northern portion of Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. Conditions are overcast, but there is chance of clearing later in the day.


1030 Hrs. -- I get a nice shot of the farm fields from the air while tracking wolves across Tyrrell County. The clouds are continuing to burn off, making for a good flight.


1055 Hrs. -- Today I have surveyed more than 1.5 million acres for red wolf territories and now I am returning to the airport in Manteo. The Outer Banks and the Atlantic Ocean make a great backdrop as we approach the airport. -- Michael

Releasing the Milltail Pack

One of the busiest times of the year for field biologists with the Red Wolf Recovery Program begins the first week of January and extends through May, corresponding to the breeding and denning seasons of the red wolves. Biologists spend most of their time during this period tracking and capturing wolves to fit or replace telemetry collars and to conduct a general health assessment of each animal. The telemetry collars will help the field biologists track the animals during the upcoming denning season as they look for new litters of pups, as well as being able to follow the pack throughout the rest of the year.

This past January was especially fruitful in our capturing efforts as nearly every member of the Milltail Pack (on Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge) was captured and fitted with a new telemetry collar. A total of seven wolves, including the breeding pair, three juveniles born in 2008, and two pups born in 2009, were caught. All were in good health and soon released back in their territory. -- Ryan