Wolf Conservation Center Press Releases
Distinct body form and high survival of coastal coyotes along the Texas-Louisiana border region allow coyotes harboring red wolf ancestry to persist decades after the red wolf’s extirpation from the region. South Salem, NY — A new study led by the Wolf Conservation Center Integrative Ecology and Coexistence Lab and published in Ecosphere reveals how red wolf ancestry has persisted for more than four decades after the red wolf was declared extirpated from the wild. The research shows that a combination of distinctive physical traits adapted to coastal wetlands and high survival has allowed coyotes to harbor, maintain, and pass on red wolf genetics. The study focused on hybrid-like coyotes referred to as “Gulf Coast canids,” living in coastal wetlands along the Gulf of Mexico that retained significant red wolf ancestry. Researchers found that these coastal coyotes form a stable, locally adapted wetland ecotype shaped by historical red wolf introgression…
For immediate release: January 21, 2026 Albuquerque, N.M. – Taylor, the Mexican gray wolf made famous for establishing a home range last year near Mount Taylor, and returning there twice after having been removed despite a federal rule banning wolves north of Interstate 40, was found dead over the weekend on the interstate near Grants, New Mexico. “This is such an unfortunate outcome for Taylor, who showed us so much about how wolves choose their own habitats, regardless of the lines that humans draw on maps,” said Greta Anderson, deputy director of Western Watersheds Project. “But it’s also a positive development that the agencies were letting him stay outside of the artificial boundary for so long and giving him the opportunity to be wild on Mt. Taylor. His life firmly demonstrated the suitability of wolf habitat in these mountains, and we can only hope that he’s not the last wolf choosing…
On November 19, Red Wolf Martha, who was born at the Wolf Conservation Center (the Center) in 2018, and her mate Oka returned home to the Center (South Salem, NY) from the Museum of Life and Science (Durham, NC). Their homecoming also includes the newest members of their family: their pups Proton, Scuppernong, and Ember! This journey was made possible thanks to our friends at Pilots to the Rescue, who donated their time to ensure their ride was safe and stress-free. Two of the Center’s current residents, Red Wolves Caroline and Jacques, are relocating to the Museum of Life and Science. Their transfer is bittersweet, as it signals the end of their chapter with the Center but is the start of a new adventure in North Carolina. With fewer than 20 Red Wolves known to remain in the wild, these carefully orchestrated transfers ensure that every wolf contributes to the…
For immediate release: June 14, 2023 MEDIA CONTACTS: Cyndi Tuell, Western Watersheds Project, (520) 272-2454; cyndi@westernwatersheds.org Emily Renn, Grand Canyon Wolf Recovery Project, (928) 202-1325; emily@gcwolfrecovery.org Chris Smith, WildEarth Guardians,…
We are excited to share a truly thrilling update from the heart of our operations. As many of you know, Trumpet, a beloved member of our Mexican gray wolf pack,…
MEDIA CONTACTS: Maggie Howell, Wolf Conservation Center, (914) 763-2373; maggie@nywolf.orgGreta Anderson, Western Watersheds Project (520)623-1878; greta@westernwatersheds.org Chris Smith, WildEarth Guardians, (505) 395-6177, csmith@wildearthguardians.orgMichael Robinson, Center for Biological Diversity, (575) 313-7017,…
For Immediate Release, February 2, 2023 Contact: Stephanie Kurose, Center for Biological Diversity, (202) 849-8401 x 103, skurose@biologicaldiversity.org Derek Goldman, Endangered Species Coalition, (406) 370-6491, dgoldman@endangered.org Perry Wheeler, Earthjustice, (202)…
For immediate release: January 23 , 2023 Media contacts:Chris Smith, WildEarth Guardians, (505) 395-6177; csmith@wildearthguardians.orgGreta Anderson, Western Watersheds Project (520) 623-1878; greta@westernwatersheds.orgMichael Robinson, Center for Biological Diversity, (575) 313-7017; michaelr@biologicaldiversity.orgRenee…
For immediate release: January 19, 2023 Media contacts: Greta Anderson, Western Watersheds Project (520) 623-1878; greta@westernwatersheds.orgChris Smith, WildEarth Guardians (505) 395-6177; csmith@wildearthguardians.org Sally Paez, New Mexico Wild (505) 350-0664; sally@nmwild.org Renee Seacor, Project Coyote & The…
An endangered Mexican gray wolf known as f2754 (and named “Asha” by schoolchildren in an annual Pup Naming Contest) recently crossed a northern boundary in New Mexico that wildlife officials…
For immediate release: January 11, 2023 Media contacts: Greta Anderson, Western Watersheds Project (520) 623-1878; greta@westernwatersheds.orgChris Smith, WildEarth Guardians (505) 395-6177; csmith@wildearthguardians.org Sally Paez, New Mexico Wild (505) 350-0664; sally@nmwild.org Renee…
For Immediate Release August 9, 2022 Contact: Erik Molvar, Western Watersheds Project, (307) 399-7910, emolvar@westernwatersheds.org Perry Wheeler, Earthjustice, (202) 792-6211, pwheeler@earthjustice.org Sarah McMillan, WildEarth Guardians, (406) 549-3895, smcmillan@wildearthguardians.org Maggie Howell,…
Rare Wolf Pup Born at WCC Joins Wild Family On May 3, 2022, Mexican gray wolf Trumpet gave birth to three pups at the Wolf Conservation Center, each no larger…
On May 3, 2022, Mexican gray wolf Trumpet gave birth to three pups at the Wolf Conservation Center (South Salem, NY), each no larger than one pound in size. Although…
New Federal Management Rule Still Falls Short on Genetic Diversity by Rejecting Science-Based Reforms SILVER CITY, N.M.— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service confirmed today that it will eliminate its…