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Weiler Woods for Wildlife has recently released “For the Love of Red Wolves,” their new film with footage of wild red wolves and red wolf pups in human care. It is being shown to students in area schools as part of the organization’s education outreach and is being introduced in public forums as well.

Students are learning that these animals once roamed the eastern coast of the United States from New York to Florida and inland to Texas and Illinois, and were native to all of North Carolina. The red wolf is now an endangered species that exists in the wild only on the east coast of North Carolina in a five-county area.

As apex predators, wolves help establish a more natural balance in the ecosystem, an effect called the “trophic cascade.” Red wolves don’t harm humans, but keep coyotes on the move and positively influence other animal and plant behaviors. Biodiversity increases as habitats improve, and other species like birds, fish and amphibians benefit.

Biodiversity is not only important to plants and animals, but is vital for the human population as well. We rely on nature to provide us with food and clean water, for health benefits including medicine, and to prevent flooding and other extreme weather effects.

Weiler Woods for Wildlife is on a mission to help address these issues in hopes of making a difference. As with all nonprofit organizations, donors are the primary support system. Donations and business sponsorships help support the purchase of art supplies, lesson plans, and outreach aimed at wildlife conservation, with a primary focus on teaching area youth about wildlife’s underdogs, endangered species, and natural habitats. Year-end contributions to Weiler Woods for Wildlife are encouraged and will be generously matched through the end of December.

To see the film and better understand the lives of wolves and their importance to the world, please visit www.weilerwoodsforwildlife.com. For more information, contact Loti Woods at loti@weilerwoods.com or call (561) 308-2651.

Submitted by Karen Dacey