To the Editor:

Fewer than 20 red wolves persist in the wild in Eastern North Carolina. Although the population has suffered continued declines in the last several years, there is hope for this struggling species.

Gov. Roy Cooper and Susi Hamilton, secretary of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, sent a letter to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) expressing their full support for the red wolf. Not only did they urge USFWS to recommit to protecting the last remaining individuals, they encouraged the agency to grow the population through pup fostering and introducing new breeding pairs.

These two North Carolina leaders recognize the benefits of the red wolf. This species represents our natural heritage in the southeastern United States. And despite wide-ranging misconceptions, red wolves receive wide support. The last federal comment period for the red wolf garnered over 100,000 comments, 99.9 percent of which were pro-red wolf.

Both federal and state agencies must support the wishes of North Carolinians to protect this shy wolf. For this under-represented animal to have a chance at survival, it must be touted as a North Carolina treasure — by us and by our elected officials.

Please thank Gov. Cooper for fighting to save North Carolina’s natural heritage. Call (919.814.2000) or email (https://governor.nc.gov/contact/contact-governor-cooper). Together, we can cultivate a new era in red wolf recovery – starting now.

Christopher Lile

Waynesville

Wolf Park Programs Coordinator