In North Carolina, wildlife teams confirmed several new litters of red wolf pups this spring. Red wolves are one of the most endangered animals in the United States. Only a small wild group lives on the Albemarle Peninsula.

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service reports that a young female and a male had eight pups at Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. Other litters were also born nearby. These births show that careful work—like pairing wolves, checking dens, and working with local landowners—can help the species.

The numbers are still low, and the wolves face risks from cars and habitat loss. But the new pups are a bright sign. With continued conservation work, the population can slowly grow. Many people are watching with hope.