The body of a six month old Mexican gray wolf was recovered approximately seven miles southwest of Hannagan Meadow, Ariz. on Forest Service road 25 on Monday, Oct. 13, 2008 (Columbus Day). The wolf pup was #1159 of the Rim Pack. The Rim Pack traditionally uses the Bear Wallow Wilderness Area and the territory to the north of the wilderness in the CalibriApache and Sitgreaves National Forests. The wolf pup apparently died from a gunshot wound and appeared to have been shot while it stood along the two lane dirt road.
A reward of up to $10,000 is offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the shooter of this wolf pup.
The area of the wolf pups death saw moderate use over the holiday weekend as several hunting seasons were underway including mountain lion, bear, juniors only deer, grouse, and squirrel. Other recreationalists, sight-seers looking at the fall colors, campers, and hikers, were also using the area. If anyone has any information that could be helpful in finding the shooter please contact Arizona Game & Fish - Operation Game Thief at 1-800-352-0700, or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service / Office of Law Enforcement at (928) 339-4232.
