Mexican Wolf Reintroduction Update March 1 - 15, 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:

A "Fate Unknown"section has been added indicating those wolves that have not been located for three months or longer. In such cases, they will be listed in this section and no longer reported with their pack affiliation.

WOLF PACK NEWS:

Lupine Pack (m632): Arizona

Yearling m632 has been located in the Coyote Hills area northeast of Springerville during this reporting period. He is on private land outside of the recovery area and the landowner has requested his removal. Project personnel intend to begin trapping him to remove him from the area; he will be returned to Sevilleta.

Wildcat Pack (M578): New Mexico

Approximately March 1, personnel from the Tyrone Mine reported seeing a wolf in the area of the mine southwest of Silver City. Project personnel were able to confirm that the wolf was M578. He had previously been missing since January 22 and it was believed his radio collar had malfunctioned. His collar is working fine; the frequency has drifted and that is why we were not able to locate him.

Saddle Pack (AM574, AF510, f646): Arizona

The alpha pair and yearling f646 have been using the area southwest of Blue Vista near Salt House Creek. Yearling f646 continues to explore areas on her own but has most recently been located with her parents.

Hawks Nest Pack (AM619, AF486): Arizona

Most recently, the pair has been using the area near Twin Tanks in the Campbell Blue drainage. Both wolves were observed by project personnel on March 11.

Bonito Creek Pack (AM674, AF587): Arizona

AM674 and AF587 continue to use the area around Reservation Lake on the White Mountain Apache Reservation.

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

The alpha pair has been recently located in the Hannagan Creek Drainage. Yearling F621 has been making some dispersal movements and has been located in New Mexico in the Tularosa Mountains and south of Willow Creek.

Project personnel were unable to locate her on the last telemetry flight on March 11.

Francisco Pack (AM509, AF511, f644): Arizona

Yearling f644 had previously been making some dispersal movements but has since returned to her parents. The pack has been using the area south west of Malay Gap.

Pipestem Pack (AM190, AF628): New Mexico

AM 190 and AF628 have been located in Coyote Canyon north of the Turkey Track. They have also been using the area around Elk Mountain and Houghton Canyon. They were located north of Indian Creek near Ten Cow canyon on March 11, but have since returned to the area around Coyote Canyon. Intensive efforts are being made to monitor their activity in an active livestock area. No depredations have been documented; however, they have been found feeding on livestock carcasses.

FATE UNKNOWN

M555 (Gavilan Pack