Mexican Wolf Update Page -- April 9, 1999

Update courtesy Patrick C. Valentino of the Julian Wolf Preserve

April 9, 1999

Folks: here is the latest report by USFWS

Patrick Valentino
Julian Wolf Preserve
619/236-9060
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Mexican Wolf Reintroduction Update March 21 – April 7, 1999

This is a brief summary of current information about the Mexican wolf reintroduction for the interested public. Additional copies of this update and other information can be obtained by calling (505) 248-6664 or (520) 367-4281. Call the toll-free number at (888) 459-9653 to report suspected livestock depredation or incidents of take or harassment of wolves. The reintroduction is a multi-agency cooperative effort (US Fish & Wildlife Service, Arizona Game and Fish Department, New Mexico Game and Fish Department, USDA-Wildlife Services, US Forest Service).

Campbell Blue Pack (CB)

The pair has remained together since their release in December. They have been expanding their range to the west of their Engineer Springs pen release site. Hawks Nest Pack (HN) The pair remains in the Campbell Blue pen and appear to be doing fine.

Pipestem Pack (PS)

The group has been free-ranging since March 15. The alpha pair and remaining female pup #562 have remained together since the death of the female pup #563 on March 21. Details from the necropsy of the dead pup are not yet available. Two snowstorms dumped over 30 inches of snow in the mountains April 1 - 4. On April 1, the Pipestem pack came into a ranch about seven miles north of the pen site. The wolves and ranch dogs interacted, and one wolf briefly fought with one of the dogs. No injuries occurred. The rancher fired in the air and chased the wolves off after several attempts. The incident was reported on the hotline. Field staff from the U.S. Forest Service and the Mexican wolf project staff responded.

On April 4, the rancher reported a possible depredation (calf) to project staff, who retrievedthe carcass. Heavy snow obliterated sign in the area. USDA Wildlife Services performed a necropsy on the calf. Examination of the remains was inconclusive as to cause of death. Wolves were in the area during this period. A dead bull and cow in the vicinity had also attracted bears and other predators. Project staff assisted in disposing of the carcasses and are closely monitoring the wolves.

A second interaction between the ranch dogs and the Pipestem wolves occurred on the morning of April 4. One dog was injured and is receiving veterinary care.

Gavilan Pack (formerly known as Strayhorse Pack)

The three members of the Gavilan pack remain in the experimental acclimation pen near Coalson Peak. The pen is constructed of heavy-gauge nylon mesh reinforced with electric fencing. The pack was re-located to the Coalson Peak area because of fighting with the Campbell Blue pair through the fence of the Engineer Springs pen in February. The wolves are being fed road-killed prey and appear to be doing fine.

Other Field Activities

Preparation for transfer of a pair of wolves to the Squaw Creek acclimation pen was aborteddue to the April 1- 4 snowstorm.

On April 4, an Alpine resident reported a wolf interacting with his dogs. Project staff responded, but no Mexican wolves were in the area at the time. A live-trap was set at the scene and an apparent domestic hybrid wolf was trapped that night. The animal was euthanized.