Red wolves are among the most endangered carnivores in the world. Once spread across the U.S. Southeast, these animals were persecuted with such intensity that in 1980 — after the capture of the last remaining red wolves for a captive-breeding program — the species was declared extinct in the wild On this day 36 years ago, four pairs of red wolves were successfully released back into the wild. But today, fewer than 25 individuals remain due to inadequate investment in their recovery. The Center went to court to save these wolves — and won. Thanks to our legal action, the federal government finally proposed a new recovery plan, the first in 32 years. Read more about our work to save red wolves. Link in comments & bio. 📹 courtesy USFWS #RedWolfWeek #redwolves #wolfconservation #endangeredspecies