Wild dogs were once widely distributed throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Today, viable populations may exist in only a handful of countries. Habitat loss and human persecution are the main causes of decline. Wild dogs fall victim to snaring, shooting, and speeding vehicles on roadways. This graphic picture is of a yearling female that died in a snare set by a poacher for antelope. Disease such as rabies and distemper may also threaten some wild dog populations.