Month: July 2016

A flurry of news articles about wolf taxonomy hit the press today based on new research published by Bridgett M. vonHoldt, et al in Science Advances. Wolf taxonomy, a messy topic for sure, will continue to be the subject of a lengthy, ongoing scientific debate. This latest genomic analysis is the newest chapter. An Overview: On…

As a generalist carnivore, wolves hunt prey that can range from the bite-sized and agile rabbit to the massive bison. Regardless of the prey size, a meal is generally the hard-won reward of extensive traveling and a chase. Wolves are not known for their speed but they can achieve 36-38 miles per hour in short…

The Wolf Conservation Center is one of 54 facilities in the U.S. and Mexico participating in the Mexican Wolf Species Survival Plan – a bi-national initiative whose primary purpose is to support the reestablishment of Mexican wolves in the wild through captive breeding, public education, and research. Because the entire existing Mexican wolf population descended…

Wolves are built to withstand extremely cold temperatures, but summer heat can be a challenge. Wolves (like dogs) will stay cool by panting to evaporate heat and moisture off their tongue. Panting is especially effective for wolves.  A wolf’s elongated muzzle and the shape of the inner nose ensure optimal oxygenation and an efficient cooling…

FASCINATING FACT: Did you know that the Mexican gray wolf is not only the most genetically distinct of North American gray wolves, its ancestors were likely the first gray wolves to cross the Bering Land Bridge into North America during the Pleistocene era? So the Mexican wolf is North America’s original gray wolf!

  Double Your Donation for the Lobo Pups – Today Only! Please join the Wolf Conservation Center in celebrating the birth of four critically endangered Mexican gray wolf pups and their role in recovering their rare and at-risk species! All gifts (up to $10,000) made TODAY will be matched 1-to-1 through a generous gift from…

Meet Ben Zino from Salisbury, North Carolina. When the West Rowan High School Sophomore learned that U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the very agency charged by federal law with protecting endangered species, is walking away from recovering the last wild population of critically endangered red wolves, Ben had questions. He submitted a two-page report inquiring…

When you’re down and troubled and you need a helping hand and nothing, nothing is going right. Close your eyes and think of me and soon I will be there to brighten up even your darkest nights. ~ Carole King When it comes to wolves, it’s all about family.

Just before midnight on May 25th, Mexican gray wolf F1126 (a.k.a. Belle) gave birth to three beautiful pups – two boys and a girl. In addition to being adorable, the critically endangered kiddos are valuable contributions to the recovery of their rare and at-risk species. Under Mexican Wolf Species Survival Plan (SSP) protocols, captive born…

The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe about us, the less taste we shall have for destruction. ~ Rachel Carson