Red wolf

CANIS RUFUS
Red wolves, which once ranged freely throughout south-eastern USA, are extremely rare. Indeed, they may even already be extinct in their pure form, as they have been relentlessly hunted by humans since the late nineteenth century. They have also inbred easily with coyotes and probably now exist only as hybrids.
Close relatives
Red wolves are related to true wolves and coyotes, they are the most social and yet carnivorous members of the canid family.
Habitat
If any red wolves still exist in the wild, they would be found on coastal plains and in forests of central south-eastern USA.
Young
Litters are made up of up to five young. It is unlikely that litters of pure red wolves are born in the wild.
Characteristics
Red wolves grow to a length of 41-49 inches(105-125cm) excluding their tails which add another 13-17 inches(33-43cm). In its pure form, the red wolf is a cinnamon or tawny colour with grey, black and white highlights. The red wolves large ears help it to cool down, as they live in very hot climates. The blood cools as it slowly pumps around the large ears so it helps the red wolf.
Food
Red wolves hunt in packs, feeding on small animals and mammals. They are intrepid and opportunistic scavengers.
Population
Almost hunted to the brink of extinction, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rounded up fewer than 20 pure red wolves to be bred in captivity in 1980. As of 2007, approximately 207 captive red wolves reside at 38 captive breeding facilities across the Unites States. Thanks to these programs, more than 100 red wolves currently live in the wild.