Endangered & Threatened Species of North Carolina

North Carolina's Imperiled Wildlife

North Carolina's diverse habitats—from Appalachian mountains to Atlantic coast—support numerous at-risk species:

Critically Endangered

• Red Wolf (Canis rufus): Only wild population in NC; 15–20 individuals remaining (Alligator River NWR)

Endangered

• Appalachian Cottontail (Sylvilagus obscurus): Mountains of NC/TN; 1,000–2,000 remaining
• Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus): Recovering; 30–40 breeding pairs
• Southern Hognose Snake (Heterodon simus): Sandhills region; 1,000–2,000 remaining

Threatened

• Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus): Remarkable recovery; 100–120 breeding pairs
• Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus): Coastal beaches; 100–200 breeding pairs

Conservation Success Stories

Bald eagles and peregrine falcons demonstrate recovery potential through DDT bans, habitat protection, and captive breeding. Red wolf recovery remains precarious due to hybridization with coyotes and human-wildlife conflict.

The NC Wildlife Resources Commission and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service coordinate protection efforts.