My daughter Bella is currently in the 5th grade and has a passion for wolves. She came to me asking what she needed to do in order to have the North Carolina State Mammal changed to the Red Wolf. She has done so much research to prepare. This is what she would like to say... 

I am a resident of North Carolina, I have always been fascinated by the unique wildlife that calls our state home. Among these creatures, one stands out to me - the Red Wolf. Once found throughout the Eastern coast of United States, today, sadly, verified Red Wolves living in wild can only be spotted on our own coast here in North Carolina.

I currently have an appointment in Raleigh with some of the best Representatives in North Carolina at the end of May to discuss this issue. I need everyone's help to make this happen!

The Red Wolf is not just an animal; it's a symbol of our state's rich biodiversity and resilience. It represents a part of our natural heritage that we should strive to protect and honor. However, despite its significance and precarious situation with an estimated 20-22 known Red Wolves left in the wild (source: U.S Fish & Wildlife Service), it is not recognized as our state mammal.

This petition aims to change this oversight. By making the Red Wolf our official state mammal, we will be acknowledging its importance to North Carolina's ecosystem and expressing our commitment towards its conservation efforts.

Let us take pride in what makes us unique; let us stand up for endangered Red Wolves; let us make the Red Wolf - an emblematic creature that has endured against all odds - an official symbol of North Carolina.

North Carolina's State Mammal is the Gray Squirrel. Gray squirrels in North Carolina are often viewed as a nuisance due to their destructive behavior and ability to cause property damage. These rodents are notorious for raiding bird feeders, gardens, and trash cans in search of food. Additionally, they can chew on electrical wiring, causing potential fire hazards in homes and buildings. Their population growth also poses a threat to native wildlife species by outcompeting them for resources. In urban areas, gray squirrels can become aggressive towards humans, especially if they feel threatened or cornered. As such, it is important for residents to take preventative measures such as sealing off entry points, using squirrel-proof bird feeders, and removing potential food sources to mitigate the impact of gray squirrels on both human infrastructure and local ecosystems. I have personally had gray squirrels demolish my back porch and it was quite costly. 

Please sign this petition if you believe in preserving North Carolina’s natural heritage for future generations.

Thank you,

Bella Harrison