Livestock deaths attributed to wild dogs
Dogs, not wolves, likely were responsible for the deaths of two cows in Arizona earlier this month, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The remains of the livestock were found Jan. 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," the FWS wrote in its monthly update on the Mexican gray wolf reintroduction project.
"Traps were set and, on Jan. 14, a dog was captured," the report continued. "It is possible that uncollared wolves killed the cows, (but) the evidence suggested that dogs were more likely responsible."
A member of the Lupine Pack on Jan. 7 was permanently removed from the Ladder Ranch in Sierra County, and transferred to a captive wolf facility in Minnesota. The animal no longer is being considered for release into the wild.
The report noted that project personnel on Dec. 26 sighted from the air the alpha pair of the Gapiwi Pack, southwest of Loco Mountain in New Mexico.
"On Jan. 8, personnel hiked into the area and found an adult cow-elk carcass, completely cleaned up, and wolf tracks near the carcass," the agency wrote.
The wolves were again spotted Jan. 11 east-northeast of the Hulse Ranch. No pups were observed.
The alpha pair of the Luna Pack were recently located in the Brushy Mountain area of the Gila Wilderness.
"A visual was obtained Dec. 31 of two wolves lying next to an elk kill in Little Turkey Park," the report stated. "No pups were observed."
The agency also provided updates on the location and activities of six wolf packs in eastern Arizona. The fate of at least 21 wolves is unknown, as they have not been sighted for three months or longer.
On Dec. 19, several new pairs were put together at the Sevilleta Wildlife Refuge near Socorro "in preparation for the upcoming breeding season and potential releases in the spring," the FWS reported.
Rewards continue to be offered for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the illegal killing of seven wolves, including a yearling male found Dec. 18, 2000, in a wood-cutting area about one-half mile north of New Mexico 12 near Aragon.
Anyone with information may call (800) 432-4263.