Red wolf and Mexican gray wolf populations in the wild have risen from zero in the 1970s to around 100 today, but 100 is still very few. And conservation efforts may be facing drastic change.
Conservationists are worried because neither wolf is heavily protected by law. This is because they breed well in captivity, so the species is not in danger of becoming extinct. And now the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is asking the public to comment on the programs. Based on feedback, the red wolf reintroduction program could end completely. The Mexican wolf could end up with more territory, or people may have more freedom to kill wolves threatening livestock. These decisions will greatly impact the future of each species.