The Texas Department of Transportation has installed 10 new wildlife crossing signs along a major roadway in Galveston to help prevent vehicle collisions with “ghost wolves,” a unique hybrid coyote found on the island. These animals carry genetic traces of the critically endangered red wolf, making them especially important to conservation efforts.
The signs were placed after growing concern from wildlife experts about the high number of deaths caused by traffic. Between 2020 and 2025, at least 75 ghost wolves were killed by vehicles, particularly along FM 3005 on the island’s west end. Using GPS tracking data, officials identified areas where the animals frequently roam and installed the signs in those high-risk zones.
Researchers like Kristin Brzeski are studying these hybrid coyotes to better understand how their remaining red wolf DNA could help restore the endangered species. Ghost wolves often have distinct features compared to typical coyotes, such as longer legs, larger ears, or reddish fur.
Officials say the goal is twofold: improve driver safety and protect a rare and ecologically valuable animal. Conservationists emphasize that preserving these hybrids contributes to broader biodiversity, supporting healthier ecosystems that benefit both wildlife and humans.
