Rare Wolf Species Faces Growing Threat In NC

It's been 20 years since the nearly extinct red wolf was reintroduced to North Carolina and still the animals number just about 120, making them some of the rarest mammals on the planet.
The biggest inhibitor to the species' population growth is humans with shotguns and a disdain for the animals that can prey on domestic animals.
Between 1999 and 2006, gunshots accounted for 32 percent of the deaths among breeding wolves and six to eight have been gunned down yearly since 2007.
Illegally killing a red wolf can cost up to a year in prison and a $100,000 fine.
North Carolina's red wolves are largely confined to the Albemarle peninsula and officials hope to reduce shootings with a new management plan.

 More red wolves here.