In Texas, wolves are now functionally extinct, a significant decline from their former presence in the tens of thousands. The remaining wolves in the state are often caught up in the illegal pet trade. Further information on this issue is available from the Texas Standard.

A recent segment provided a look at a wolf sanctuary in the state, offering insight into the situation. Details on the sanctuary and the impact of wolf trafficking can be found in the Texas Standard's July 29, 2026, segment, which explores the topic of wolves in Texas and efforts to address their functional extinction.