by Associated Press
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has confirmed that a Mexican gray wolf has been shot dead on private land in southwestern New Mexico.
The agency says the wolf had been hanging around a ranch on the northeastern edge of the Gila National Forest and was losing its fear of humans. It was also socializing with domestic dogs.
Numerous attempts were made to dart the wolf so it could be returned to captivity, but wildlife managers were not able to get close enough. The decision was made Wednesday night to shoot the wolf.
Agency spokesman Tom Buckley called it a very sad and unfortunate case.
Michael Robinson of the Center for Biological Diversity says he’s troubled by the shooting. He contends the female wolf wouldn’t have resorted to socializing with dogs had there been more wolves in the wild.