How long do red wolves live in captivity?

The two red wolf populations in the wild, in the US and Mexico, are at or below 50 percent of their historic levels. The US population has gone from a high of around 150 wolves in 1995 to about 70 wolves today. About 65 wolves are in the wild in Mexico. The red wolf is an endangered species and still recovering from inbreeding and a serious threat of extinction in the wild.

How long red wolves live in captivity?

The average lifespan of captive red wolves is between 13 and 17 years. In the wild, they can live up to 20 years in good conditions.

How long do red wolves live in captivity?

The average life expectancy of a red wolf in captivity is about 11 years. This is a bit lower than the 20-year life expectancy of the species in the wild. However, this is likely due to the fact that many red wolves in captivity are older when they arrive.

How long does a red wolf live in captivity?

The CDC estimates that around 40% of red wolves born in captivity—approximately 30 individuals—have died before reaching sexual maturity. This longevity is similar to that of wolves in the wild. Of the 20 red wolves in captivity today, only half are related to each other. These longevity statistics make captivity a very challenging environment for the species.

How do red wolves live in captivity?

Currently, red wolves in captivity are held at six facilities in North Carolina, Florida, and South Carolina. These wolves live at either conservation or research facilities. As a result, these wolves are provided with appropriate care on their physical, mental, and emotional levels.