Reintroduction of the species began in 1987, when captive animals were released into Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge in northeast North Carolina, with later releases into nearby Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. More than 100 red wolves have since been born in the wild, and a stable population of about 60 adults has been established in eastern North Carolina. This ruling affirms that protection of wildlife is a matter of national concern, even if the species is so depleted in numbers that it exists in only a single state, or even on only a single parcel of land, said Tim Preso, an attorney with Earthjustice Legal Defense Fund who represented Defenders of Wildlife in the case. The court recognized that all Americans have an interest in preventing the extinction of our nation s wildlife species, wherever those species exist. In addition to creating a more diverse ecosystem, the wolves have the potential to generate millions of tourist dollars for the eastern North Carolina region.
People love the wolves.
They are exquisite, mysterious creatures that belong on this land, said Schlickeisen. Defenders of Wildlife, founded in 1947, is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection and restoration of native wild animals and plants in their natural communities.