Wildlife crossings can protect critically endangered red wolves

Highways are tearing red wolf families apart.

When wolf 2444M was struck and killed by a car, the five pups he left behind died within months.

If this species is going to survive, the last wild red wolves need safe ways to cross the deadly highway that divides their home. Luckily, the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law awarded $350 million in grant money for wildlife crossing projects, including those to protect red wolves.

But a recent executive order has put funding for the red wolf crossing project in limbo.

One-fifth of red wolves are killed by vehicles.

This is a matter of survival or extinction. There are fewer than 20 wild red wolves left on Earth.

A shocking one-fifth of red wolves are killed by vehicles. Building safer ways for animals to cross roads will help put a stop to all these red wolf deaths.

The money to make a stretch of the highway dividing red wolf habitat safer has already been designated for this important project. But now, the Department of Transportation is re-evaluating and potentially even fully revoking some of its existing funding agreements.

Red wolves are running out of time. The sooner wildlife crossings can be constructed, the fewer wolves will die.

Wildlife crossings will protect wolves, other wildlife, and drivers.

It won’t just save red wolves. White-tailed deer, black bears, and even alligators are sometimes killed by cars along this same stretch of highway. Crossings will help protect all of them, preserving the rich and unique ecosystem of the Outer Banks for generations to come.

But building wildlife crossings is especially urgent for the red wolves. In just a few short months, brand-new pups may begin to arrive — pups that will only survive to contribute to the future of their species if their parents aren’t struck and killed like 2444M was.

Add your name to help protect the last wild red wolves.

Together, we can make the wild safer for the next generation of red wolves. But Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy needs to hear from you.

Take action to protect red wolves from vehicle strikes today.