North Carolina red wolf shot in the spine, wildlife officials ask for public’s help in finding suspect

(WGHP) – Federal officials in North Carolina are asking for the public’s help in an investigation into the death of a federally protected red wolf.

The red wolf was found dead in County Tyrrell in a muddy farm field south of Newlands Road on April 15, according to the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

The red wolf was shot in the spine, causing the wolf to collapse on the ground. The red wolf‘s lungs were found to be full of mud during a subsequent autopsy.

The USFWS is offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to a successful prosecution in this case.

Anyone with information about the Red Wolf death is asked to contact North Carolina Division Police Shelter Patrol Capt. Frank Simms at 252-216-7504 or Special Agent Jason Keith at 919- 856-4786 ext. 34.

Red wolves are governed by rules established in 1995 establishing the non-essential experimental population. This means landowners may be allowed to cull a nuisance red wolf if it attacks their livestock or pets. Additionally, a red wolf caught in any type of otherwise legal activity, such as coyote trapping in accordance with state regulations, on private land within the red wolf recovery area is not a violation of federal regulations provided the capture is not intentional or willful and is reported to the USFWS within 24 hours.

If someone accidentally kills a red wolf, they should report it by calling the USFWS toll-free at 1-855-4-WOLVES (1-855-496-5837).

To learn more about red wolves and USFWS efforts to recover them, click here.