North Carolina wildlife crossing project aims to protect endangered red wolves
A new wildlife crossing project in North Carolina aims to protect the critically endangered red wolf population, which has fewer than 20 individuals left in the wild. The project will include fencing and underpasses along U.S. 64 to reduce vehicle collisions. Previously, vehicle strikes were a major threat to red wolves, with one recent incident leading to the death of a breeding male. Conservationists have long sought changes to the highway to improve safety for both wildlife and motorists. The project, estimated to cost $31.5 million, is part of a broader initiative to create wildlife crossings across the U.S. It seeks to enhance connectivity for various species while addressing the urgent need to prevent the extinction of red wolves.