The Florida black wolf (Canis rufus floridanus), also known as the Florida wolf and the black wolf, is an extinct subspecies of red wolf that was endemic to Florida.
There has been much debate among biologists on the taxonomy of the Florida Black Wolf but one thing is for sure... it existed, and lived throughout the lower southeast of the United States.
This canid was officially declared extinct in 1921, although it has not been seen in the wild since 1908.
Its status was long controversial, as it was once considered a subspecies of the red wolf (Canis rufus) and that a variation in the red wolf's coloring led to the creation of the Florida black wolf.
It was believed by one author that instead of being a subspecies of the red wolf, it was actually a type of coyote.
As of 2005, this wolf is recognized as a subspecies of Canis lupus in the taxonomic authority Mammal Species of the World.
Recounts of this animal are few, but the handful that still exists today point to a small framed, light-footed Wolf with large ears and a jet black coat, save for a patch or two of white on their chest and muzzle.
The Florida black wolf was a medium-sized species, measuring between 2,1 to 2,8 feet (66 and 88 cm) in height and weighing up to 80 lbs (36 kg).
They hunted in small packs like their northern cousins and typically were found in Pine Forests and prairie habitats, most likely hunting deer, and small game.
This wolf quickly became extinct due to eviction from its habitat and hunting. As a threat to livestock, a bounty was promised for every Florida wolf hunted.
Thus, the number of individuals of the species Canis lupus floridanus fell drastically until it disappeared completely in a short period of time.

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