Saint Francis Wolf Sanctuary Offers a Safe Haven for Wolves

At one time, there were two species of wolves in Texas: the southeastern red wolf (Canis rufus) and the once more widespread gray wolf (Canis lupus). Mexican wolves once roamed across west Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and northern Mexico. After a century of persecution, poisonings, trapping and a great deal of ignorance, the last wolves were recorded in Arizona, New Mexico, and in Texas in 1970. All three of these remaining Mexican lobos were killed.

Located in Montgomery, Texas

Photo: Facebook/saintfranciswolfsanctuary

These days, there is one place in Texas where wild wolves are thriving. The Saint Francis Wolf Sanctuary, located in rural Montgomery, Texas (near Houston) is home to nearly a dozen rescued wolves and wolfdogs. Saint Francis Wolf Sanctuary opened on the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi, on October 4, 2002, and has rescued and rehabilitated many wolves and wolfdogs in its 15 years of operation.

Saint Francis Wolf Sanctuary reports that they get calls often from people who claim to have a wolf or a wolfdog (part wolf, part domesticated dog) that they need to surrender. The sanctuary says that around 75% to 90% of the animals claimed to be wolves/wolfdogs are actually mislabeled dogs. This mislabeling is dangerous and often leads to the unnecessary euthanization of the animal.

Wolves Are Not Pets

Photo: Facebook/saintfranciswolfsanctuary

While Saint Francis Wolf Sanctuary takes in and rehabilitates wolves and wolfdogs, they have only adopted out three dogs who were originally mislabeled as wolves. So, don’t plan to visit the Saint Francis Wolf Sanctuary and take home a wolf for a pet. Wolves make inappropriate pets because they are wild animals and don’t behave like domesticated dogs. In fact, many of the wolves that come to the sanctuary were once pets, until their owner realized how difficult and dangerous it is to live with a wolf.

However, you can witness these beautiful creatures in action at the sanctuary. Tours and visits may be made by appointment only. The sanctuary also offers tours and programs for Boy and Girl Scouts, as well as VIP tours. To learn more, visit the Saint Francis Wolf Sanctuary website or follow them on Facebook.