Our work in road ecology across the Southeast saves lives—both human and animal. For some species, like red wolves, preventing highway deaths is absolutely essential for staving off extinction. There are only 30 red wolves surviving in the wild today, and in recent years many have been getting struck by vehicles, often while investigating dead animals on the side of the road. Through our daily roadkill survey and removal efforts on US 64 in eastern North Carolina, we've helped keep these critically endangered animals off the highways. The proof? Zero red wolf deaths on US 64 in 2025. For a species this rare, that's not just a statistic—it's hope.
Eventually, when crossings are built on that highway, thanks to our critical efforts to support NCDOT’s successful $25 million federal grant application, we’ll see permanent reductions in the loss of life for all kinds of species.
What we now know is that safe passage structures benefit all animals. And Wildlands Network is helping shape policy, practice, and projects to keep more animals off our roads and on the landscape.
Please consider supporting this work today. Every dollar you give to Wildlands Network right now will be matched by our rewilding partners at Biophilia Foundation, up to $50,000.
