RALEIGH, NC — The Federal Highway Administration has approved a $25 million grant to construct wildlife crossings along U.S. 64 in North Carolina, a move that could save the critically endangered red wolf from extinction. With only 16 red wolves left in the wild, vehicle collisions are the leading cause of their declining population.
The grant will fund 13 wildlife underpasses on U.S. 64, which cuts through one of the last remaining red wolf habitats. An additional $4 million in private donations, including contributions from the Center for Biological Diversity, Wildlands Network, and an anonymous matching donor, will support the project.
“A Lifeline for the World’s Most Endangered Wolves”
“These crossings will save human lives and protect the world’s most endangered wolves,” said Will Harlan, Southeast director at the Center for Biological Diversity. “This project is a testament to the hard work of agencies, donors, and supporters committed to giving red wolves a fighting chance.”
Red wolves, once abundant across eastern North America, were nearly extinct by 1960. Thanks to the Endangered Species Act, a captive breeding program was initiated, leading to their reintroduction in 1987. At its peak, the wild red wolf population exceeded 120 but fell drastically to just seven by 2015 after the recovery program was paused.
The program resumed in 2020, but challenges remain. Safe crossings and new reintroduction sites are critical to ensure genetic diversity and long-term survival.
Multi-Agency Partnership
The North Carolina Department of Transportation spearheaded the grant application, supported by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Tuscarora Nation of North Carolina.
“These crossings will not only protect red wolves but also reconnect people with nature,” said Donnie Rahnàwakęw McDowell, public relations officer for the Tuscarora Nation of North Carolina. “They symbolize the bridge between humans and wildlife, fostering harmony and understanding.”
Grim Toll on Red Wolves
Vehicle collisions have killed four red wolves in the past 15 months, including Airplane Ears, a male who fathered 11 pups before his death. Tragically, his son, Muppet, was killed six months later on the same stretch of U.S. 64. Another breeding male, 2444M, died shortly after fathering five pups, none of which survived.
Red wolves are known for their monogamous relationships and shared parenting. The loss of a single wolf can devastate the species’ delicate population.
Benefits Beyond Red Wolves
The new crossings will also benefit other species often killed on U.S. 64, such as river otters, bobcats, spotted turtles, black bears, and white-tailed deer. The area is home to one of the densest black bear populations in the U.S.
Wildlife collisions also pose significant risks to humans, causing more than 200 fatalities annually and $10 billion in damages. Studies show that wildlife crossings can reduce collisions by up to 97%.
Community and Donor Support
The project owes much to the efforts of conservation organizations and individual supporters. An anonymous donor issued a $2 million matching challenge, which was met through an eight-month campaign led by the Center for Biological Diversity and Wildlands Network. Contributions poured in from more than 13,000 donors, raising the necessary funds.
A Safer Future for All
The northeastern corner of North Carolina, near the popular Outer Banks, is the last refuge for wild red wolves. U.S. 64, a busy highway leading to these beaches, sees traffic volumes exceeding 11,800 vehicles daily during the summer.
“These structures are expected to significantly reduce road mortality for red wolves and other wildlife while improving safety for motorists,” said Dr. Ron Sutherland, chief scientist at Wildlands Network.
The project is a vital step in safeguarding the future of red wolves and protecting the diverse ecosystem they inhabit. By bridging the gap between conservation efforts and infrastructure development, these wildlife crossings symbolize hope for a balanced coexistence.
