Red Wolf (Canis rufus)

(Photo by: Earth First!)

The Red Wolf (Canis rufus)

By 1970, this canid was driven to the brink of extinction, and it was at this time, that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service gathered the last 14 red wolves remaining in the southeastern United States. These 14 individuals made it possible for Canis rufus to become the first species to be reintroduced after being declared virtually extinct in the wild. Though the reintroduction was considered a great success, the red wolf is considered critically endangered today, with only 75-100 individuals remaining in North Carolina. 

The red wolf is smaller than a gray wolf (Canis lupus) but a bit larger than the coyote (Canis latrans), weighing in on average at about 45-80 lbs. Red wolves are technically carnivores, but they are able to survive on a variety of prey/food items. Berries, insects, smaller mammals such as raccoon, rodents, and even mid sized ungulates like white tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are all on the menu for these canids. 

The historical range of Canis rufus extended from Texas to as far north as Pennsylvania. As mentioned above, only a small population of red wolves can now be found in North Carolina. Typically, red wolves prefer forested areas, prairies, or even swamps. 

Red wolves are primarily nocturnal are able to communicate with the rest of the pack using facial expressions, body postures, and vocalizations (howling, yipping, etc.). They are able thrive as solitary predators, but like other canids, they will also hunt in packs. Typically, the size of the pack and/or litter size is dependent on prey availability. 

Links: 

Red Wolf

Red Wolf - basic facts

Red Wolf Recovery Program

American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)

                                                (Photo by: Daufuskie Island Conservancy)

The American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) 

Found mostly in areas of the Southern United States, including Florida, North and South Carolina, and Texas, the American Alligator acts as a powerful apex predator within marshlands, rivers, and lakes. These creatures are ectothermic and "cold-blooded". They are unable to regulate their own body temperature, and are forced to rely on the warm temperatures of their surrounding environments. Like other lizard-like ectotherms, A. mississippiensis will typically bask in sunlight during the day in order to maintain a body temperature of about 80-90ºF (27-32°C).

The American Alligator is considered a "living dinosaur" in some respects, because of its archaic origin. The crocodilian body plan has existed for over 180 million years. This alligator typically weighs in at about 1000 lbs (453 kg), with a total body length of about 10-15 ft (3-4.6 m).These large creatures are also exceptionally talented swimmers, and spend a great portion of time within water.

Alligators often mate in early May during the nighttime hours in shallow waters. Females lay around 30-50 eggs, and place the eggs in nests made of vegetation. After hatching, young alligators are at high risk for predation by surrounding predators such as birds, raccoon, or other alligators. Because of this, they must remain with their mothers for about two years. 


The American Alligator's diet has a tendency to change as the animal ages. Young Alligators, or hatchlings, typically feed on small insects and fish, a variety of crustaceans, and snails. As they reach maturity, A. mississippiensis will feed on turtles, snakes, fish, carrion, and a number of small mammals. On rare occasions, American Alligators have been known to prey upon ungulates such as deer and domestic pets. Attacks upon mindful humans are exceedingly rare. As apex predators, American Alligators maintain the biodiversity of a given habitat. 

Coyote (Canis latrans)

Got some cool shots of a local Coyote on our trail camera!

Parkersburg, West Virginia December 17, 2015, 1:57 am