Mexican Wolf Reintroduction Update February 16 - 28, 2002

This is a brief summary of current information about the Mexican gray wolf reintroduction program in Arizona and New Mexico. Additional information can be obtained by calling (505) 248-6652 or (520) 367-4281 or by visiting our web site, ./http://mexicanwolf.fws.gov">. Call toll-free at (888) 459-9653 to report suspected livestock depredations, incidents of take or harassment of wolves, or wolf sightings. The reintroduction is a multi-agency cooperative effort between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Arizona Game and Fish Department, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, USDA-Wildlife Services, U.S. Forest Service, the Turner Endangered Species Fund, and the White Mountain Apache Tribe.

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 preceding the number indicate adult animals two years or older (M = Male, F = Female). Capital letter "A" preceding the letter and number indicate alpha wolves. Lower case letters indicate sub-adults or pups (m = male, f = female).

Note:

An "Unknown Status"section has been added indicating those wolves that have not been located for three months or longer. In such cases, we will no longer continue to report them with their pack affiliation, but instead will list them in this section.

WOLF PACK NEWS:

Lupine Pack (m632 ): Arizona

Yearling m632 has traveled from the eastern edge of the Gila Forest boundary to the Coyote Hills area northeast of Springerville. On February 28, he was located in Boggy Creek about four miles west of PS Knoll.

Wildcat Pack (M578): New Mexico

Despite several search flights, M578 has not been located since January 22. His signal is very weak and he is difficult to monitor. He was last located northwest of Fox Mountain lookout.

Saddle Pack (AM574, AF510, f646): Arizona

The alpha pair has been using the area west of Blue Vista. Yearling f646 has been located separately from her parents and most recently was located approximately one mile northwest of Blue Vista.

Hawks Nest Pack (AM619, AF486): Arizona

The pair has been using the area along Coyote Creek, between Lake Sierra Blanca and the Campbell Blue drainage.

Bonito Creek Pack (AM674, AF587): Arizona

AM674 and AF587 have been located along the KL Creek drainage approximately 2 miles northeast of KL Ranch on the White Mountain Apache Reservation.

Cienega Pack (AM194, AF487, F621): Arizona, New Mexico

The Cienega Pack has been traveling between Grant Creek and KP Creek east of Highway 191 and west of the Blue River. Yearling F621 has been making some dispersal movements, potentially in search of a mate, and has been located in New Mexico near John Kerr Peak and in the Tularosa Mountains east of Eagle peak.

Francisco Pack (AM509, AF511, f644): Arizona

The alpha pair has been using the area between Rose Spring and Malay Gap on the Rim Trail. Yearling f644 has been located separately from her parents several times during this reporting period north and west of Mt. Baldy. Most recently she has been located with her parents west of Malay Gap.

Pipestem Pack (AM190, AF628): New Mexico

AM190 and AF628 continue to travel together and have been using the area around Elk Mountain and Houghton Canyon, and have been as far north and west as T Bar Ridge.

UNKNOWN STATUS

M555 (Gavilan Pack