Mexican Wolf Reintroduction Update
April 1 - 12, 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 (928) 367-4281 or by visiting our web site, ./http://mexicanwolf.fws.gov">. Please note that access to this website has been restored. 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): New Mexico
M632 has been located southeast of Horse Peak, northeast of Simon Lake, and northeast of Pelona Mountain. On April 4 he was observed feeding on a cow carcass. Investigation confirmed the cow died while giving birth; M632 was not involved in a depredation. Efforts are ongoing to capture him to remove him from the area and return him to captivity.
Wildcat Pack (M578): New Mexico
This pack no longer exists (M578 was captured and returned to captivity March 18).
Saddle Pack (AM574, AF510, f646): Arizona
The alpha pair has been located southwest of Rose Peak and southeast of Honeymoon Campground. Yearling f646 has been located southeast of Freezeout Mountain and southeast of Loafer Tank. On April 8, all three wolves were seen together near Strayhorse Divide in the Apache National Forest.
Hawks Nest Pack (AM619, AF486): Arizona
The pair has been located in the Williams Valley area; however, project personnel were unable to locate them April 5th, 8th, or 9th.
Bonito Creek Pack (AM674, AF587): Arizona
AM674 and AF587 were located east of Reservation Lake, southwest of Big Lake, and southeast of Odart Mountain.
Cienega Pack (AM194, AF487, F621): Arizona, New Mexico
The alpha pair has been located southeast of KP Cienega Campground and northeast of Strayhorse Campground, as well as east of Hannagan Meadow on the Apache National Forest. Yearling F621 is still in New Mexico southwest of Adam Hoague Lake and northeast of Willow Mountain. She has been in the same location for three consecutive flights. Project personnel tracked her on April 9 and confirmed she was localized in the area and has been feeding on an elk carcass.
Francisco Pack (AM509, AF511, f644): Arizona
All three have been located together on the White Mountain Apache Reservation southeast of Tonto Lake and north of the Black River as well as southwest of Freezeout Mountain.
Pipestem Pack (AM190, AF628): New Mexico
Project personnel have been trying to capture the pair since the confirmed depredations in late March. To date, they have not been successful and the pair has since moved off the Adobe Ranch. They have been located southeast of Crutchfield Camp and east of East Elk Mountain. Most recently they were located south of Cooney Prairie near Gillette tank.
Gapiwi Pack (AM584, AF624): New Mexico
Note: Pack name was derived from using the first two letters of Gavilan, Pipestem, and Wildcat packs (Gapiwi). The male previously was associated with the Gavilan pack and the female was previously associated with the Pipestem and Wildcat packs. On April 4, the pair was transported from the Ladder Ranch to a mesh pen at Lilley Park in the Gila Wilderness. The wolves remain in the pen and are being monitored by pen-sitters. They will be released in mid-April if they do not self-release before then.. AF624 is pregnant and is expected to whelp soon.
Luna Pack (AM583, AF562): New Mexico
On April 4, the pair was transported from the Ladder Ranch to a mesh pen at McKenna Park in the Gila Wilderness. The wolves chewed out immediately from the pen and self-released to the wild. The male has been staying near the pen site but the female has moved several miles away. AF562 is pregnant and is expected to whelp soon.
FATE UNKNOWN
M555 (Gavilan Pack
