USFWS Seeks Assistance with Investigation of Recent Red Wolf Death

5 October 2010 - The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is requesting assistance with an investigation involving the suspected illegal take of an additional red wolf. The dead wolf was located on October 4, 2010, at Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge in Dare County, NC. Previously, two radio collared red wolves were found dead in two different locations in Hyde County, NC in April of 2010. Anyone who has essential information that directly leads to an arrest, a criminal conviction, a civil penalty assessment, or forfeiture of property on the subject or subjects responsible for the suspected unlawful take of these red wolves may be eligible for a reward of up to $2,500. There may be additional reward monies offered from non-governmental organizations.

The red wolf is protected under The Endangered Species Act. The maximum criminal penalties for the unlawful taking of a red wolf are one year imprisonment and $100,000 fine per individual. Anyone with information on the deaths of these red wolves or any others, past or future, is urged to contact Special Agent Sandra Allred at (919) 856-4786, Refuge Officer Jay Eddy at (252) 216-8724, Refuge Officer Chris Smith at (252) 926-4021, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Officers C.P. White at (252) 558-6649 or Robert Wayne at (252) 216-8225.