Red Wolf Coalition Opposes Night Hunting of Coyotes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) has proposed making night hunting of coyotes and feral
pigs legal throughout North Carolina, including the five-county red wolf recovery area (Dare, Tyrrell, Hyde,
Beaufort, Washington). This rule would allow unlimited hunting 24 hours a day with the use of artificial lights.
The proposed rule would allow hunting on Sundays on private land using archery equipment. If adopted, the
night-hunting rule would go into effect August 1, 2012.
The Red Wolf Coalition (RWC) opposes this rule change, and the organization is actively seeking public
support to defeat it. The RWC is the only citizen nonprofit advocating for the long-term survival of wild red
wolf populations by teaching about red wolves and by engaging the public in red wolf conservation.
The organization is focusing on three reasons for opposing the rule change.
First, the RWC projects that the number of endangered red wolves killed by shooters who mistake red
wolves for coyotes will increase. Concentrated mortality from the illegal shooting of red wolves has increased
over the past five years, especially during the fall rifle seasons for deer and bear. The proposed rule change
will, the RWC predicts, mean more red wolf deaths. The result will be devastating for the long-term survival of
the wild red wolf population in the 5-county recovery area in northeastern North Carolina.
In addition, the RWC is concerned that authorizing night hunting will increase the potential for unregulated
and perhaps inexperienced shooters to jeopardize the safety of the general public and the safety of domestic
animals, including pets. The Red Wolf Coalition does not oppose responsible hunting by individuals who
adhere to hunting regulations, who are knowledgeable about firearms safety and who respect the wildlife
heritage of North Carolina, which includes the red wolf, a native species. However, the organization is
opposed to a rule change that would cause a significant risk to people, livestock, pets and other wildlife
species.
The NCWRC claims that allowing night hunting will significantly reduce the number of coyotes in the state.
The RWC maintains there are no reliable scientific data demonstrating that lethal control measures are an
effective long-term measure for controlling coyote numbers. Some data even suggest that coyote numbers
actually rise when pressure by human-caused mortality increases.
Concerned citizens can comment on the NCWRC’s web site by going to http://www.ncwildlife.org/
ProposedRegulations.aspx and clicking on the On-line Comment Form or on regulations@ncwildlife.org to
send an email. The public comment period closes on April 16, 2012. More information and updates will be
posted on the RWC’s web site at www.redwolves.com.
A series of public meetings in March will be held at various locations throughout the state. For a schedule,
go to: http://www.ncwildlife.org/Portals/0/Proposed%20Regulations/Public%20Hearing%20list.pdf

Contact: Red Wolf Coalition
Contact Person: Kim Wheeler, Executive Director
Company Name: Red Wolf Coalition, Inc.
Phone: 252-796-5600
Email Address: kwheeler@redwolves.com
Web Site Address: www.redwolves.com