The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has issued a permanent removal order for a Mexican wolf, male 796. Since March 15, 2006, the wolf, a six year old, wild born member of the San Mateo Pack, has been involved in three confirmed depredation incidents involving three cows in New Mexico. This removal order applies to M796 only, and not to other members of the San Mateo pack.
Whenever an alleged livestock kill occurs, a member of the Mexican Wolf Reintroduction Projects Interagency Field Team investigates. The agent uses a combination of necropsy techniques (e.g., bite marks, subcutaneous hemorrhaging) and presence of sign (tracks, hair, scat) to determine if there was wolf involvement. If a wolf is involved, the examination results in a confirmed, probable or possible conclusion. The difference between probable and possible determinations relies on the preponderance of evidence and professional judgment.
In the nonessential experimental population rule governing the reintroduction project, permanent removal (including lethal take) is one of the tools to resolve livestock depredation problems when a wolf has been involved in three or more confirmed depredation incidents. Wolves captured in accordance with a permanent removal order are not eligible for re-release in Arizona or New Mexico.
As are all Mexican wolves reintroduced under the Mexican Wolf Reintroduction Project, M796, is part of a nonessential, experimental population. This designation allows flexibility for managing wolves in conflict situations, including lethal take.
The reintroduction of the Mexican wolf is a cooperative, multi-agency effort of the Arizona Game and Fish Department, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, White Mountain Apache Tribe, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, USDA Forest Service andUSDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service - Wildlife Services.
Visit the Services website at http://www.fws.gov.
