Wolf Conservation Center Blog
The speed of physical pup development is incredible! Although no bigger than one pound at birth, wolves reach their adult size in less than one year, and reach sexual maturity at about two years old. So what, exactly, does pup development look like? 0 – 12 daysEyes and ears are closedDark fur, rounded heads – about 1 lb in sizeVocalizations consist of whines and whimpersNursing 12 days – 1 monthEyes and ears open around 12 days old, eyes are blueBegin to stand and slowly walk around in denVocalizations expand to include growls, squeaky attempts at howlsBegin to eat small pieces of regurgitated meat 1 month – 2 monthsExplore outside of the den, play near the entranceDisproportionately large paws and headGradual weaning process begins; grown canine teeth and premolar teethPlay fighting with littermates begins 2 months – 4 monthsEyes slowly change from blue to golden yellowPups eat solid food provided by…
For immediate release April 8, 2026 TUCSON, Ariz. – Conservationists are celebrating the historic translocation of two families of Mexican gray wolves in Durango, Mexico, almost fifty years after the last wolves were removed from the state to initiate the captive breeding program that saved the subspecies from extinction. Mexico has been releasing wolves in the states of Sonora and Chihuahua since 2011, but the Durango effort marks a major milestone in restoring wolves to a more southern part of their range. The wolves are in a pre-release pen and scheduled to be released into the wild in the coming weeks. “Introducing these new wolf packs in Mexico is a sure sign that our partners to the south are dedicated to Mexican gray wolf recovery and our shared mission,” said Craig Miller, Defenders of Wildlife senior Southwest representative. “While we celebrate this moment today, we must remain vigilant on our…
The Wolf Conservation Center participates in the SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) Program, formerly known as Species Survival Plan (SSP), for two endangered wolf species, the Mexican gray wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) and the red wolf (Canis rufus). The Mexican gray wolf and the red wolf are among the rarest mammals in North America; both species were at one time extinct in the wild. Organizations participating in SAFE are tasked with basic husbandry, collaborating in the carefully managed captive breeding and release program, and research. At the Wolf Conservation Center (the Center) we currently host 12 Mexican gray wolves and 17 red wolves within our Endangered Species Facility. Wolves breed in late winter, are pregnant for about 63 days, and usually birth four to six pups. Genetic health is the primary consideration governing decisions for reproductive pairings and captive-to-wild release events. This year, two wolf couples had the opportunity to…
Wild Mexican Gray Wolf Population Increases to 319 Wolves in Southwest
The Arizona Game and Fish Department and the New Mexico Game and Fish Department announced today that the number of Mexican gray wolves living across Arizona and New Mexico has…
How the Media Negatively Shapes the Narrative Around Wolves
It’s unconscionable and truly disappointing that our modern-day storytellers continue to vilify wolves, thereby perpetuating the myth that they are ferocious predators who actively stalk and viciously hunt humans. Nothing…
West Virginia Students Inspire Community to Make a Better World for Wolves
In a classroom in Martinsburg, West Virginia, home of the Berkeley Heights Elementary School Badgers, the sounds of curiosity and excitement fill the air. Mrs. Kelly Gray’s Roots and Shoots…
Federal Protections for Mexican Gray Wolves Under Attack
Mexican gray wolves are the rarest subspecies of gray wolf in North America, with just 286 known to live in the wild in the United States. Yet despite their tenuous…
Congress Urges Trump Administration to Abandon Effort to Gut Endangered Species Act
Today, prominent Congressional Democrats led members of their party in demanding the Trump administration withdraw their proposed rules that would effectively dismantle the Endangered Species Act (ESA). “These sweeping changes…
Proposed Rules Poised to Dismantle Endangered Species Act
Your Voice Needed by December 22 The Trump Administration recently unveiled proposed Endangered Species Act (the Act) rules that severely undermine the Act and make it easier for corporations such…
Red Wolf Ginger Begins a New Adventure
Exciting news! Red Wolf Ginger has officially embarked on a new adventure at the North Carolina Zoo! 🐺 On Saturday, the great team at Pilots to the Rescue (PTTR) took…
In Loving Memory of Mexican Gray Wolf Diane
Dear friends, It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mexican gray wolf Diane. She passed away on October 30th at 7 years old. Diane was born…
How the USDA’s New Beef Industry Plan Puts Wolves at Risk
Last week, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) introduced their Beef Industry Plan aimed at “fortifying” a subset of American business owners who already receive significant subsidies and handouts funded…
Challenging Misconceptions About Red Wolf Reintroduction: Public Support Outweighs Opposition
The reintroduction of endangered wolves to their historical ranges is often framed in terms of human-centered costs and benefits–the latter, more frequently. For example, wildlife officials may emphasize potential human-wildlife…
Survey Finds Strong Support for Continued Wolf Protections Across United States
A new survey found there is strong support for continued wolf protections across the United States. The survey, conducted by Drs. John Vucetich and Jeremy Bruskotter, was implemented in July…
Coyote Dispersal and Ecology in Westchester County
Last year, the Wolf Conservation Center Integrative Ecology & Coexistence Lab (WCC-IECL) initiated a study of local wildlife in Westchester County, New York, with a particular focus on coyote ecology.…