Latest Note from the Field

Latest Note from the Field

January 22, 2003

Mexican Wolf Reintroduction Update December 16 - January 15, 2003 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 . 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 (M = Male, F = Female) preceding the number indicate adult animals 18 months or older. Lower case letters (m = male, f = female) indicate sub-adults (younger than 18 months) or pups. Capital letter AA@ preceding the letter and number indicate alpha wolves.

WOLF PACK NEWS Bluestem Pack (AM507, AF521, M639): Arizona The Bluestem pack has been located southwest of PS Knoll, in Bear Canyon on the southeast side of Baldy Bill Point, northeast of John Hall Cabin Tank, and south of Gobbler Point in the Bear Wallow Creek. Four wolves were observed from the air on December 19 feeding on an elk kill.

Saddle Pack (AM574, AF510): Arizona The alpha pair has been located north of Crabtree Spring, east of Chitty Falls, and east of Baldy Bill Point. The cause of death for F646, found dead on December 3 near the 25 Road and Hwy 191 in Arizona, is still under investigation. It is unknown if the pack has any surviving pups.

Hawks Nest Pack (AM619, AF486): Arizona The pack has been located in the general area of Middle Mountain, southeast of Crosby Crossing, in a drainage near Coleman Creek, and west of Three Forks and south of the Hwy 191/180 junction. On January 3 four sets of tracks were observed indicating that the pack may have two pups traveling with them. On January 13 two wolves were observed from the air on an elk kill.

Bonito Creek Pack (AF587, M794): Arizona AF587and M794 remain together and have been located west of Odart Mountain, southwest of Bonito Mountain, northwest of Maverick Mountain, and on Corn Creek Plateau. No pups have were observed with the pack during this reporting period. The necropsy report revealed gunshot to be the cause of death of AM674, former alpha male of the pack. He was found dead on October 22 on the White Mountain Apache Reservation near Loafer Cienega.

Cienega Pack (AM194, AF487, m795, m796): Arizona The pack has been located southeast of Ackre Lake, east of Beaverhead, northeast of the Hwy 191 / 26 junction, near Buckalou Tank, and south-southwest of Carlton Vista. Project personnel obtained a visual on two collared wolves on January 4 near Buckalou Tank. Further investigation of the site indicated five sets of tracks, indicating that another un-collared wolf is traveling with the pack. Francisco Pack (AM509, AF511, f797, m798, f799, f800, m801): Arizona The pack has been located east-southeast of the Bear Wallow Creek and the Black River confluence, northwest of Malay Gap, south of Rose Spring on the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest, and northeast of Carnero Lake. On December 31, all wolves were located next to an elk kill and two wolves were observed from the air. More recently, pup m798 was located separately from the pack west of Bee Tank. Project personnel are still attempting to trap and remove the pack from the reservation at the San Carlos Apache Tribe=s request. Gapiwi Pack (AM584, AF624): New Mexico The alpha pair was seen by project personnel from the air southwest of Loco Mountain on December 26, possibly near a carcass. On January 8, project personnel hiked into the area and found an adult cow elk carcass completely cleaned up and wolf tracks near the carcass. Project personnel obtained another visual of the wolves on January 11 east-northeast of Hulse Ranch. No pups were observed with the pair during this reporting period.

Luna Pack (AM583, AF562): New Mexico The alpha pair has been located in the Brushy Mountain area in the Gila Wilderness. A visual was obtained on December 31 of two wolves lying next to an elk kill in Little Turkey Park. No pups were observed with the pair during this reporting period. Dispersal Wolves (M794, F644, F621) M794 has dispersed from the Francisco pack and is still traveling with the Bonito Creek alpha female. Francisco pack F644 has been located northwest of Greens Peak and in Corn Creek, near the Bonito Creek pack. She was observed from the air by project personnel on January 13 near Carnero Lake. Cienega F621 was last located on November 19 east of Feathery Hill, NM. Project personnel have been unable to locate her since then despite several search flights.

FATE UNKNOWN (indicates wolves that have not been located for three months or longer). M555 (Gavilan Pack B last signal 02/12/00) M627 (Pipestem Pack B last signal 07/02/00) F189 (Mule Pack B last signal 02/02/01) F127 (Hawk=s Nest Pack - slipped out of radio collar; last seen 9/19/98) F579 (Mule Pack un-collared pup released 5/24/99) M581 (Mule Pack un-collared pup released 5/24/99) M586 (Gavilan Pack un-collared pup released 5/22/99) M641 (Francisco Pack un-collared pup released 7/15/00) M642 (Francisco Pack un-collared pup released 7/15/00) M643 (Francisco Pack un-collared pup released 7/15/00) M678 (Lupine Pack un-collared pup released 6/20/01) F679 (Lupine Pack un-collared pup released 6/20/01) M680 (Lupine Pack un-collared pup released 6/20/01) Three un-collared Hawk=s Nest pups (sexes unknown) released 6/3/99 m754 (Bluestem Pack un-collared pup released 6/11/02; sighting 11/24/02 indicates at least 4 of the 5 pups are still with the pack) m755 (Bluestem Pack un-collared pup released 6/11/02; sighting 11/24//02 indicates at least 4 of the 5 pups are still with the pack) m756 (Bluestem Pack un-collared pup released 6/11/02; sighting 11/24/02 indicates at least 4 of the 5 pups are still with the pack) f757 (Bluestem Pack un-collared pup released 6/11/02; sighting 11/24/02 indicates at least 4 of the 5 pups are still with the pack) f758 (Bluestem Pack un-collared pup released 6/11/02; sighting 11/24/02 indicates at least 4 of the 5 pups are still with the pack)

SEASONAL NEWS Nothing to report.

CAPTIVE MANAGEMENT On December 19, several new pairs were put together at Sevilleta in preparation for the upcoming breeding season and potential releases in the Spring.

Lupine Pack member, M632, was removed permanently from the Ladder Ranch as a release candidate and was transferred to a captive wolf facility, the Wildlife Science Center, in Minnesota on January 7.

COMMUNICATION AND COORDINATION Arizona Game and Fish Department personnel met on January 9 in Phoenix to discuss ongoing outreach activities related to the wolf project and to discuss potential improvements in outreach. New public information personnel based in Phoenix were briefed by Regional personnel on project status. Several suggestions were made to improve outreach efforts.

Brian Kelly and John Oakleaf attended a depredation symposium hosted by the University of Montana December 16 - 18 in Helena, MT to discuss the effectiveness of current compensation programs and where to go in the future.

INCIDENTS Project personnel investigated a depredation report of two dead cows on January 8 on the White Mountain Apache Reservation between Hondah and White River. No radio collared wolves were in the area; however, wild dogs were observed. Traps were set and on January 14, a dog was captured. It is possible that un-collared wolves killed the cows; however, the evidence suggested that dogs were more likely responsible for the depredations. PERSONNEL The Mexican wolf project is currently recruiting volunteers to assist with wolf monitoring activities in Alpine, Arizona. Interested applicants should fax (928/ 339- 4218) or send a resume and cover letter to the Mexican Wolf Field Office, Attention Dan Stark, P.O. Box 856, Alpine, AZ 85920. Resume=s will be accepted until January 24. Call 928/339-4329 for more information.

LITIGATION Nothing to report.

REWARDS OFFERED The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the conviction of the individual or individuals responsible for the shooting deaths of three Mexican gray wolves. An additional $10,000 is being offered by the Center for Biological Diversity and Defenders of Wildlife ($5,000 each) The Lupine Pack alpha female, AF169, was found dead from gunshot wounds on November 15, 2001 near Maverick Mountain on the White Mountain Apache Reservation; Saddle Pack yearling female, f645, was found dead from gunshot wounds on November 5, 2001 near Forest Road 117, south of Highway 60, in the Greens Peak area near Vernon, Arizona; Lupine yearling male, m630, was found dead from gunshot wounds December 3, 2001, 18 miles northwest of Springerville, south of Highway 60 in Apache County, Arizona; Saddle Pack F646was found dead from gunshot in Arizona on December 3, 2002 near the 25 Road and Highway 191; and Bonito Creek AM674 was found dead on October 22, 2002 on the White Mountain Apache Reservation near Loafer Cienega.

Investigations into the illegal killing of four other Mexican wolves are also still being conducted:

C Campbell Blue alpha female, AF174, was shot on August 7, 1998, in the Williams Valley area near Alpine, Arizona. C Hawk=s Nest male, m532, was found dead from gunshot wounds near the Arizona/New Mexico state line on November 7, 1998. C Hawk=s Nest male, m531, was found dead from gunshot wounds on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation on November 23, 1998. C Francisco yearling male, m590, was found dead from gunshot wounds on December 18, 2000 approximately 2 mile north of Highway 12 in the Apache National Forest=s Divide wood cutting area near Aragon, New Mexico.

Individuals with information they believe may be helpful should call one of these agencies: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service special agents in Mesa, AZ at (480) 835-8289 or Pinetop at (928) 367-5689; the White Mountain Apache Tribe at (928) 338-1023 or (928) 338-4385; Arizona Game and Fish Operation Game Thief at 1-800-352-0700; or New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Operation Game Thief at 1-800-432-4263.

The killing of a Mexican gray wolf is a violation of Federal and State=s of Arizona and New Mexico laws. Violations of the Federal Endangered Species Act can invoke criminal penalties of up to $25,000 and /or six months in jail, or a civic penalty of up to $10,000.

December 19, 2002

Mexican Wolf Reintroduction Update December 1 - 15, 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. 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.

WOLF PACK NEWS Bluestem Pack (AM507, AF521, M639): Arizona The Bluestem pack has been located northwest of Big Lake Lookout, southwest of the West Fork Campground, northwest of Hannagan Meadow near Fish Creek, northeast of Hoodoo Knoll, and near the Fish Bench/ PS Knoll area. Six sets of tracks were observed on December 12.

Saddle Pack (AM574, AF510, F646): Arizona All three members of the pack were located near the 25 Rd and Hwy 191 on December 2. On December 3, F646 was found dead in the same area. The cause of death is under investigation. Since then, the alpha pair has been located south of Blue Vista, south of Baldly Bill Point, and in the Bear Wallow Wilderness.

Hawks Nest Pack (AM619, AF486): Arizona The pack has been located near the Campbell Blue drainage, northeast of Buffalo Crossing, southeast of Milk Ranch Spring; and also southeast of the 249/ 276 junction. Both wolves were observed on December 10 during the telemetry flight.

Bonito Creek Pack (AF587): Arizona AF587 and Francisco pack m794 continue to travel together and have been located in the vicinity of Odart Mountain and within the Bonito Creek drainage system on the White Mountain Apache Reservation.

Cienega Pack (AM194, AF487, m795, m796): Arizona The pack has been located in the vicinity of the 26 Road, Hwy 191, and near the Josh Ranch Rd. Francisco Pack (AM509, AF511, f797, m798, f799, f800, m801): Arizona The pack has been located near the Bear Wallow Wilderness southeast of Malay Gap as well as in the Black River north of BS Gap. They have also been located moving through the extreme southeast corner of the San Carlos Reservation. During the December 10 flight, all seven wolves were observed playing in the Black River. Project personnel are attempting to trap and remove the pack at the tribe=s request.

Gapiwi Pack (AM584, AF624): New Mexico The alpha pair has been located in the Gila National Forest east of Snow Lake, in the vicinity of Loco Mountain, and northeast of Corner Mountain. On December 3, AM584 was accidently captured by a trapper in a coyote trap and was released on -site. Project personnel investigated the situation on December 4 and observed three sets of tracks in the area, indicating that at least one pup is still traveling with the pack. Project personnel observed the pair feeding on an elk carcass on December 11.

Luna Pack (AM583, AF562): New Mexico The alpha pair has been located in the Gila Wilderness southwest of the Gila Cliff Dwellings as well as on Brushy Mountain.

Dispersal Wolves (M794, F644, F621) M794 has dispersed from the Francisco pack and is still traveling with the Bonito Creek alpha female. F644 has been making dispersal movements from the Francisco pack for some time now. She has been located near Christmas Tree Lake, near Sunrise, and in the vicinity of Mt. Baldy on the White Mountain Apache Reservation. Project personnel have confirmed only one set of wolf tracks, indicating she is traveling alone. Cienega F621 was last located on November 19 east of Feathery Hill, NM. Project personnel have been unable to locate her since despite several search flights.

SEASONAL NEWS Nothing to report.

CAPTIVE MANAGEMENT The Campbell Blue alpha male, M166 and the Gavilan alpha female, F168 were retired as release candidates and transferred to the California Wolf Center in Julian, CA on December 4.

Volunteers from the Channel Island Fox Recovery Project and the California Wolf Center assisted with building a separation pen at the Sevilleta wolf facility December 9 - 14. Many thanks to everyone for their hard work.

COMMUNICATION AND COORDINATION Melissa Woolf gave two presentations on the wolf project to approximately 50 fifth and sixth graders at the Holy Ghost school in Albuquerque on December 4.

Brian Kelly attended the Gila Salt Verde Ecosystem Ecoteam meeting in Phoenix on December 10.

INCIDENTS Saddle pack F646 was found dead near the 25 Road and Highway 191on December 3. The cause of death is under investigation.

PERSONNEL Stephanie Provinsky=s six month volunteer term with the project ended December 11. She will be starting a new job with the Island Fox Project in California in January. Thanks Steph for all your hard work!

LITIGATION Nothing to report.

REWARDS OFFERED The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the conviction of the individual or individuals responsible for the shooting deaths of three Mexican gray wolves. An additional $10,000 is being offered by the Center for Biological Diversity and Defenders of Wildlife ($5,000 each) The Lupine Pack alpha female, AF169, was found dead from gunshot wounds on November 15, 2001 near Maverick Mountain on the White Mountain Apache Reservation; Saddle Pack yearling female, f645, was found dead from gunshot wounds on November 5, 2001 near Forest Road 117, south of Highway 60, in the Greens Peak area near Vernon; and Lupine yearling male, m630, was found dead from gunshot wounds December 3, 2001, 18 miles northwest of Springerville, south of Highway 60 in Apache County, Arizona. Investigations into the illegal killing of four other Mexican wolves are also still being conducted:

Individuals with information they believe may be helpful should call one of these agencies: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service special agents in Mesa, AZ at (480) 835-8289 or Pinetop at (928) 367-5689; the White Mountain Apache Tribe at (928) 338-1023 or (928) 338-4385; Arizona Game and Fish Operation Game Thief at 1-800-352-0700; or New Mexico Game and Fish Department Operation Game Thief at 1-800-432-4263.

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