How are red wolves different from gray wolves?

Red wolves and gray wolves differ significantly in their biological classification, physical size, and conservation status.

Biological Classification

While the gray wolf is a distinct species, the red wolf is often considered a hybrid between the gray wolf and the coyote, with over 75 percent of its ancestry derived from coyotes. Some experts classify the red wolf as a separate species, while others categorize it as a subspecies of the gray wolf.1

Physical Differences

• Size: Gray wolves are generally larger, with northern males reaching up to 2 meters in length and weighing up to 65 kg. Red wolves are smaller, typically measuring about 1.2 meters in length and weighing between 20 and 36 kg.23
• Appearance: Gray wolves typically have gray fur, though it can range from black to white depending on the region. Red wolves are characterized by tawny, reddish, or black coats, with distinct reddish markings on their heads, ears, and legs.213

Conservation Status

The gray wolf is currently listed as a species of least concern. In contrast, the red wolf is critically endangered, having once gone extinct in the wild before being reintroduced to North Carolina.31