Alan Armistead, USDA Wildlife Services, the wolf teams depredation specialist, examined the calfs wounds the same day and concluded that they were consistent with a wolf attack. The wounds consisted of bites and scrapes on various parts of the calfs body. The calf is expected to recover from the injuries.
This depredation incident occurred in the same area where, on June 15 and 16, wolf team biologists discovered the mostly consumed remains of two calves and a partially consumed adult cow that died after its left hind leg became tangled in the strands of a barbed wire fence. The livestock manager was immediately notified and participated in field investigations. The cause of death of these three animals could not be determined from the evidence present. Tracks of coyotes and wolves were found in the area, and one or both species fed on the livestock carcasses. Monitoring by field personnel confirmed the wolves were present in the area on June 14-18 and again on June 21. Currently an investigation is being conducted into the death of another calf found on June 24 in the Pipestem Packs territory.
Monitoring of the Pipestem Packs activities has been intensified and the wolves locations will be determined at least every four hours--day and night. Biologists will attempt to haze wolves away if potential conflict situations arise. Supplemental food is being provided near the packs den site.
Biologists recently confirmed the presence of pups born in the wild to the Pipestem Pack. The number of pups has not been determined. This is the second litter of pups produced in the wild by released Mexican wolves. The surviving pup from last years litter disappeared shortly after its mother was illegally shot last August. There are no immediate plans to move the Pipestem Pack
The livestock manager plans to move the cows with calves to a distant pasture. "This extra effort by the livestock manager to help resolve wolf-livestock conflicts is greatly appreciated by the agencies and epitomizes the kind of cooperation we have experienced from local citizens since the beginning of the wolf reintroduction project," said David Parsons, Mexican Wolf Recovery Leader for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
"We are attempting to discourage this sort of prey selection by the wolves, so they dont pass this selection pattern to the pups," said Bill Van Pelt, Arizona Game and Fish Department Nongame Mammals Program Manager.
"Working to resolve conflicts between wolves and livestock is the best way to work toward the recovery of this extremely imperiled species," said Nancy Kaufman, USFWS Region 2 Director.
The Pipestem Pack was released on March 15, 1999. The pack consists of the adult male and female, a yearling female, and this years wild-born pups. More than 24 Mexican wolves representing five separate packs are currently roaming free in the Apache National Forest in Arizona--nearly triple the number of wolves that were free-ranging this time last year. Most documented predation by the wolves has been on natural prey, primarily elk.
Defenders of Wildlife, a non-governmental wildlife conservation organization, will offer compensation to the livestock owner, as is their policy when the loss or injury of domestic livestock is caused or possibly caused by wolves.
The first confirmed depredation incident occurred in May 1998 when a yearling female Mexican wolf from the Campbell Blue pack dispersed outside the recovery area and attacked a miniature horse colt. That wolf was returned to captivity, and Defenders of Wildlife compensated the colts owner for veterinary expenses. The colt recovered from its injuries. Defenders of Wildlife has also compensated animal owners in the wolf recovery area for the death of a ranch dog and the injury of another dog following a fight with a wolf.
Agencies working together to restore the Mexican wolf to the Apache National Forest include the Arizona Game and Fish Department, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, USDA - Wildlife Services, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S. Forest Service.
