One of America’s rarest animals, the beautiful Alexander Archipelago wolf, is in danger of being hunted out of existence. Over the past year, these wolves’ population on Alaska’s Prince of Wales Island, which is one of its most important habitats, has plummeted from 221 to as low as 60. That’s the equivalent of 1.1 of Manhattan’s 1.6 million residents suddenly dying in just one year.

These amazing creatures have been isolated from the rest of the species for millennia and have evolved into a unique subspecies. This is what makes them so special, but it also makes them particularly vulnerable because of their relatively small territory and their near exclusive reliance on one species of deer for food. Hunters on the island also enjoy eating the deer, and loggers have been steadily eroding both the deer and wolves’ habitat. With the population down to just over 60 individuals, this alone could lead to their demise, but these wolves have one more threat to deal with, and it could be their final blow.

The state of Alaska has announced that it will be allowing the hunt of 9 Alexander Archipelago wolves this year. They are ignoring the unprecedented decline in their population in recent years, and have given the go-ahead to kill nearly 15% of the animals’ remaining population, potentially leaving just 51 wolves next year.

I need your help to demand that the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) protect the Alexander Archipelago Wolf with an emergency Endangered Species listing, so that hunts like this cannot take place

Scientists have not seen evidence that any pups were born in the entire year of 2014. The remaining population of Alexander Archipelago Wolves is almost 75% male, which does not bode well for a rebound in numbers. Still, efforts can be made to save this majestic species. But only if wolf hunting is stopped immediately.

The Alexander Archipelago wolf population is being hit from all sides. Without help from US Fish and Wildlife, their chances of lasting even into the next decade are dubious. Please join me in demanding that the USFWS protect one of the most vulnerable animals in Alaska, and list this wolf as an endangered species immediately. Every day that they remain unprotected, we risk losing them for good.