Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Wolves to be trapped

Submitted to El Defensor Chieftain

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has asked its partners in Mexican wolf management to initiate trapping for two wolves in the Aspen Pack.

The two animals, designated AM863 and F1046, have killed one horse and five head of cattle within the Gila National Forest between January and October. Two of the depredations were on private holdings outside of the established Mexican wolf reintroduction area.

As a result of both the depredations and the wolves being outside of the established boundaries, over the weekend, the wildlife service initiated steps to trap the two animals and move them into captivity.

"It is anticipated that pack depredation behaviors will be disrupted with the capture and removal of these two members," said Dr. Benjamin Tuggle, the southwest regional director for the wildlife service. "By changing the pack dynamic, we anticipate the alpha female and the pups will return to feeding on wildlife. Removing wolves is always a tough call, but these decisions are made in the interest of the overall reintroduction efforts."

For more information, contact Public Affairs Specialist Elizabeth Slown at 505-248-6909.

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