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Update courtesy Patrick C. Valentino of the Julian Wolf Preserve
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).
The pair has remained together since their release in December. They have localized their activities to approximately a five square mile area west of the Engineer Springs pen, and are possibly tending a den. Field staff met with the allotment manager to discuss wolf and livestock activities. Biologists had a brief visual observation of the pair, and discovered an elk carcass that had been fed upon by the wolves.
The pair remains in the Campbell Blue pen and appear to be doing fine. They will be held in the pen through May, allowing them the opportunity to have pups in the pen if they have mated. They will be released after elk calving begins in June.
The three-member Pipestem Pack continue to use the area which includes their pen site and an area several miles to the north and west. Many of their locations are concentrated in an area near the pen where it is believed they are denning.
The three members of the Gavilan pack remain in the experimental acclimation pen near Coalson Peak. On April 14, project biologists determined that the female had given birth to five pups in the acclimation pen. All five pups are doing well. The pack will be retained in the pen for the immediate future to assure that the pair and pups get adequate nutrition before release.