By: Associated Press
ALBUQUERQUE, NM – Federal wildlife managers have designated two more Mexican gray wolf packs in New Mexico, bringing the number of packs in the American Southwest to 14.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has been trying to return the predators to their historic range in New Mexico and Arizona for more than a dozen years.
There are at least 58 wolves in the wild in the two states, and the most recent annual survey showed at least 18 pups among the packs at the beginning of the year.
Field coordinator Liz Jozwiak says packs in both states are now showing signs of denning behavior, which could mean a new batch of pups.
Jozwiak says the formation of New Mexico’s two new packs in June marks a significant step for the population.