The investigation into the deaths of two red wolves in Hyde County back in April continues.

Officials tell us the first red wolf was found dead on April 23 near Englehard. The 2nd was discovered on April 27 near Scranton. The red wolf is one of the most endangered wild canids and is protected under the Endangered Species Act.

Because of contributions from the Red Wolf Coalition, Defenders of Wildlife, Humane Society of the United States and the Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust, and Humane Society National Council member Cathy Kangas the reward amount for information on the suspected killings has increased.

Authorities say anyone who provides information that directly leads to an arrest, a criminal conviction, a civil penalty assessment, or forfeiture of property on the subject or subjects responsible may be eligible for a reward of up to $10,500.

Because red wolves are protected under the Endangered Species Act, the maximum criminal penalties for the unlawful taking of a red wolf is one year imprisonment and $100,000 fine per individual.

Anyone with information on the deaths of these red wolves or any others, past or future, is urged to contact Special Agent Sandra Allred at (919) 856-4786, Refuge Officer Chris Smith at (252) 926-4021 or North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Officer Robert Wayne at (252) 216-8225.

-previous story-

One of the most endangered species of wolves in the world is living here in North Carolina. That's why it was a big deal last month when two red wolves were discovered dead in Hyde County.

Northeastern North Carolina is home to the only Wild Red Wolf population in the world, spread through 5-counties and 1.7-million acres you have about 130 red wolves living and breading here.

Right now the US Fish and Wildlife Service is investigating the deaths of two Red Wolves in Hyde County. One near Engelhard, the other near Scranton.

Those deaths are exactly what one local organization is trying to prevent.

The Red Wolf Coalition in Columbia advocates for the survival of the species. A breed that is actually being reintroduced to the wild through a recovery program in North Carolina.

Coalition Executive Director, Kim Wheeler wants to make sure the public knows Red Wolves aren't as dangerous as many think.

She says if you see a wolf and don't want it around your property contact the US Fish and Wildlife Commission who will remove it for you.

Right now a $2,500 dollar reward is being offered to anyone who provides information leading to an arrest in connection to the deaths of the 2 wolves in Hyde County back in April.