Saturday, June 2, 2007

Special agents investigate Mexican grey wolf death outside Reserve

No sign of injured or dead livestock found near the carcass

Evelyn Cronce El Defensor Chieftain Reporter

Canine remains were found in the Gila National Forest of New Mexico on May 9. The preliminary results in this investigation indicated the carcass was that of a Mexican wolf designated M925. It was determined that the wolf died from a gunshot wound. The carcass was found approximately 20 miles east of Reserve.

The remains were sent to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Forensics Laboratory in Ashland, Ore., for examination.

"That's sort of like CSI for wildlife," said Elizabeth Sloan, acting assistant regional director of External Affairs for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Wolf M925 was a 2-year-old male from the Luna Pack and frequented the Collins Park area in New Mexico.

Sloan said the remains were found in a remote area. There were no signs of injured or dead livestock or other domestic animals found near the carcass.

"The investigators asked us to put out a press release asking for information," she said.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service special agents would like to hear from any individual who may have seen any suspicious activities relating to the death of this Mexican wolf. The wildlife service is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the apprehension of the individual or individuals responsible for the shooting death of wolf M925.

Prior press releases from the Mexican Gray Wolf Reintroduction Project state: "Arizona Game and Fish Department Operation Game Thief is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the conviction of the individuals responsible for the shooting deaths of Mexican gray wolves. A variety of public interest groups are offering an additional $35,000, for a total reward amount of up to $46,000, depending on the information provided."

Anyone who has information that may be helpful is urged to call one of the following agencies: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service special agents in Albuquerque at 505-346-7828, or New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Operation Game Thief toll-free at 800-432-4263.

"It's an ongoing investigation," said Sloan. "I don't know if they (the special agents) have any suspects. They haven't told us if they do or not."

At the end of 2006, there were 59 wolves throughout the reintroduction area in New Mexico and Arizona. Of those, 46 were born in the wild. The reintroduction of the Mexican wolf is a cooperative, multi-agency effort of the Arizona Game and Fish Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, White Mountain Apache Tribe, U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest and Wildlife Services.

Killing a Mexican gray wolf is a violation of the Federal Endangered Species Act, and can result in criminal penalties of up to $50,000, one year in jail or both, and a possible civil penalty of up to $25,000.

ecronce@dchieftain.com

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