This is a summary of activities for the Mexican wolf reintroduction project in Arizona and New Mexico. Additional information can be obtained by calling (928) 339-4329 or toll free at 1-888-459-WOLF, or by visiting the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service website at http://mexicanwolf.fws.gov. Past updates may also be viewed on this website or interested parties may sign up to receive the update electronically by visiting www.azgfd.com. This update is public property and can be used for any purpose. The reintroduction project is a multi-agency, cooperative effort between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF), USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services (USDA-WS), U.S. Forest Service (USFS), the White Mountain Apache Tribe (WMAT) on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation (FAIR), the San Carlos Apache Tribe (SCAT) on the San Carlos Apache Reservation (SCAR), and other supporting organizations including the Turner Endangered Species Fund (TESF) and Defenders of Wildlife (DOW).
Please report any wolf sightings, incidents of take or harassment of wolves, or suspected livestock depredations to: (928) 339-4329, toll free at (888)-459-WOLF, or the Arizona Game and Fish Department's 24-hour dispatch Operation Game Thief at (800) 352-0700.
Numbering System: Mexican wolves are given an identification number recorded in an official studbook that tracks the history of all known Mexican wolves. Capital letters (M = Male, F = Female) preceding the number indicate adult animals 18 months or older. Lower case letters (m = male, f = female) indicate sub-adults younger than 18 months or pups. The capital letter "A" preceding the letter and number indicate alpha wolves.
Definitions: For the purpose of this report, a "wolf pack" is defined as two or more wolves, at least one being collared, that maintain an established territory and are proven breeders. In the event that one of the two alpha wolves dies, the remaining wolf, regardless of pack size, retains the pack name. A "group" of wolves is defined as two or more wolves that travel together on a consistent basis, but are not proven breeders. The Interagency Field Team (IFT) recognizes that there could be uncollared wolves that form either a group or a pack. If they are confirmed through trapping, sightings, or other field methods, they will be included in the appropriate category.
CURRENT POPULATION STATUS
As of the end of August, the population consisted of 25 wolves with radio collars in ten packs and two lone wolves. Based on other field data (sightings, tracks, howling, etc.), there are at least 24 additional wolves, including pups and uncollared wolves, distributed among the packs and groups. The current, mid-year, minimum population estimate is 49 wolves in the wild. Future efforts will focus on monitoring fluctuations in the population, and a revised population estimate will be presented at the end of the year.
Arizona: Aspen Pack (AF667, AM512, and pups m871, f872, f873), Bluestem Pack (AF521, AM507, two uncollared wolves, and five pups), Cienega Pack (AF487, two uncollared wolves, and at least three pups), Hawks Nest Pack (AF486, AM619, and at least two pups), Iris Pack (AM798, an uncollared wolf, and at least one pup), Rim Pack (AF858, an uncollared wolf, and two pups). Hon-Dah Pack (AM578 and two uncollared wolves) is located on the FAIR. M795 and m859 are lone wolves.
New Mexico: Francisco Pack (AF511, an uncollared wolf, and at least two pups), Luna Pack (AF562 and AM583), and Saddle Pack (AF797, AM732, and pups m860, f861, f862, m863, m864).
Other uncollared wolves may exist in the wild; however, project personnel have not confirmed their existence. All wolf-sighting reports are investigated, but need to be reported in a timely manner.
NEW TRANSLOCATION
On August 16, AF797, the former mate of Saddle AM574, surrogate mate AM732, formerly of the Red Rock Pack, and pups m860, f861, f862, m863, and m864, all sired by AM574, were captured at the Sevilleta Wolf Management Facility. All were given physical exams, vaccinations, and fitted with radio collars. The following day, they were packed into the Gila Wilderness in New Mexico on mules, and put into a mesh acclimation pen at McKenna Park. The Saddle Pack self-released the same day, and have traveled several miles away from the release site. The entire pack has remained together.
MONITORING
IFT personnel have begun trapping to capture uncollared wolves, and field efforts continue to focus on monitoring wolf activity.
Arizona: On August 12, a motorist reported accidentally hitting m859 just north of Alpine. m859 remained in the vicinity for several days, and then moved from the area. Project personnel have been unable to get a visual of m859 to determine whether or not the wolf was injured. Recently, m859 was located with its natal Bluestem Pack, moving at least 15 miles from the motor vehicle accident site. Even though m859 is a previous member of the Bluestem Pack, this is the first time these wolves have been located together. m859 was captured on the SCAR as an uncollared wolf on November 21, 2003. For the past six months, m859 has been using areas along the Arizona/New Mexico border.
On August 27, the USFS area closure for the Aspen Pack, in the vicinity of Hannagan Meadow, was lifted as the pack had traveled away from the release pen. The KP Fire closure, also in the same area, was rescinded by the USFS on August 10.
The Bluestem Pack, Cienega Pack alpha female, Hawks Nest Pack, Rim Pack, and M795 remained in their normal home ranges on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, as has the Hon-Dah Pack alpha male on FAIR. The Iris Pack continues to use their normal home range in the northwestern portion of the Blue Range Wolf Recovery Area and the northern portion of FAIR.
Project personnel are currently attempting to capture and place radio collars on uncollared Bluestem wolves.
New Mexico: On August 11, project personnel captured an uncollared, wild-born adult female wolf in the San Mateo Mountains, possibly the mate of San Mateo Pack AM796. The female, AF903, was examined, and IFT personnel determined that it had not raised pups. It was transported to Ladder Ranch in New Mexico.
On August 22, project personnel captured San Mateo Pack AM796 in the San Mateo Mountains. The IFT pulled all traps in the San Mateo Mountains after not finding or hearing any sign of additional wolves during intensive surveys. AM796 and AF903 are being held together at the Ladder Ranch Wolf Management Facility for future translocation. These wolves were removed from the San Mateo Mountains as per project protocol, which disallows wolves establishing territories wholly outside of the BRWRA.
The Luna Pack and the Francisco Pack alpha female remained in their normal home ranges in the Gila National Forest.
Observation reports of wolves from the public are important as many of the wolves are currently dispersing. Please call the toll free number listed above to report wolf sightings as soon as possible after the sighting. Thank you for your help.
INCIDENTS
On August 7, AF511 was seen feeding on a cow. Wildlife Services personnel investigated the carcass, and determined that lightening killed the cow. Project personnel removed the carcass.
On August 27, Wildlife Services personnel investigated a cow carcass near the Negrito airstrip, in New Mexico. It was determined that the cow died of natural causes.
On August 29, Wildlife Services personnel investigated a cow carcass at T Bar Ridge, in New Mexico. It was determined that the cow died of natural causes.
CAPTIVE MANAGEMENT
See "Translocation" above.
COMMUNICATION AND COORDINATION
On August 14, Shawna Nelson gave four wolf project presentations at the AGFD Hunter Education in-service workshop for instructors held at the Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area. Approximately 40 instructors attended the presentations.
On August 25, Krista Beazley and Deon Hinton from WMAT provided a wolf presentation to 60 parents at a Parent's Skills Class in Whiteriver.
On August 28, Dan Groebner provided a wolf project update to the board members of the Arizona Wilderness Coalition at their annual meeting held in Blue, AZ.
AGFD developed a new informational flyer to be mailed to all 2004 fall elk and deer permit holders in Units 1 and 27 in Arizona. The flyer provides tips on identifying coyotes and wolves to avoid mistaken targets, as well as other information to reduce encounters and conflicts with wolves and other wildlife while hunting or recreating in the wolf recovery area.
PROJECT PERSONNEL
The IFT conducted interviews for the AGFD Wolf Technician position on August 10.
REWARDS OFFERED
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the conviction of the individual(s) responsible for the shooting deaths of Mexican gray wolves. An additional $35,000 is being offered by a variety of public interest groups for a total amount of up to $45,000, depending on the information provided.
Individuals with information they believe may be helpful are urged to call one of the following agencies: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service special agents in Mesa, AZ, at (480) 967-7900 or Albuquerque, NM, at (505) 346-7828; the White Mountain Apache Tribe at (928) 338-1023 or (928) 338-4385; Arizona Game and Fish Department Operation Game Thief at 1-800-352-0700; or New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Operation Game Thief at 1-800-432-4263.
Killing a Mexican gray wolf is a violation of the federal Endangered Species Act, and can invoke criminal penalties of up to $25,000 and/or six (6) months in jail or a civil penalty of up to $25,000.
