Wolf (Canis lupus)
The gray wolf was once found throughout the East while the smaller red wolf was indigenous to the southeastern United States. Brimley (1944) stated that wolves in the Smokies were "apparently finally exterminated in or about 1880, up to which time they still occurred sparingly in the mountains". Harnnett and Thornton (1953) reported: "In the mountain region, wolves existed in the more remote sections until the late 1800's and possibly until the very early 1900's".
Recently, any plans to reintroduce the gray wolf to eastern United States have been further complicated by controversy concerning the possible discovery of a third species of wolf in north America. In addition to the gray wolf (Canis lupus) and the red wolf (Canis rufus) some authorities have suggested that the wolves of eastern Canada (Canis lycaon) may be unique enough to be considered a separate species.
We know that the red wolf was found in the southeast but researchers must now determine which gray wolf was indemic to the south. Because Canus lycaon is known to breed with coyotes (Canis latrans), Canis lupus would most likely have the best chance of coexhisting with the established coyote populations in the south without hybridization. The smaller Canis lycaon might suffer the same fate of Canis rufus and be absorbed by the coyote.
In 1990, director Bob Long acquired an unrelated pair of gray wolf cubs and raised them with his small children. His objective was to conduct an informal observation of wolf behavior as they grew and accepted the family as their pack members. The director lived with and observed wolf behavior for 15 years until their deaths from advanced age (see photo page). ESF members have visited and observed red wolf projects, both free ranging and captive, at Aligator River N.C., Great Smoky Mountain National Park, and Land Between the Lakes. The Wisconsin Gray Wolf Reintroduction Project was observed on two occasions. Extirpated Species Foundation will support wolf reintroduction in very limited areas of their historic range where such action is shown to be feasible.
"Observation" is the first step in the scientific method. In the future, we hope to use the information gained in 15 years of wolf observation in formal research projects aimed at returning the wolf to eastern ecosystems.
Gray Wolf Eastern Distinct Population Segment