Mexican Wolf Reintroduction Project Monthly Update August 1 ý 31, 2004

Please report any wolf sightings, incidents of take or harassment of wolves, or suspected livestock depredations to: (928) 339-4329 or toll free at (888)-459-WOLF, or the Arizona Game and Fish Departmentýs 24-Hour Dispatch (Operation Game Thief) at (800) 352-0700.

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. The capital letter ýAý preceding the letter and number indicate alpha wolves.

Definitions: For the purpose of this update, a ýwolf packý is defined as two or more wolves, at least one being radio-collared, that maintain an established territory and are proven breeders. In the event that one of the two alpha wolves dies, the remaining wolf, regardless of pack size, retains the pack name. A ýgroupý of wolves is defined as two or more wolves that travel together on a consistent basis but are not proven breeders. The Interagency Field Team (IFT) recognizes that there could be uncollared wolves that form either a group or a pack. If they are confirmed through trapping, sightings, or other field methods they will be included in the appropriate category.

CURRENT POPULATION STATUS As of the end of August, the collared population consisted of 25 wolves, in ten packs, and two lone wolves. Based on other field data (sightings, tracks, howling etc.), there are at least 24 additional wolves, including pups and uncollared wolves, distributed among the packs and groups. The current, mid-year, minimum population estimate is 49 wolves in the wild. Future efforts will focus on monitoring fluctuations in the population; a revised population estimate will be presented at the end of the year. Arizona: Aspen Pack (AF667, AM512, and pups m871, f872, f873), Bluestem Pack (AF521, AM507, two uncollared wolves, and five pups), Cienega Pack (AF487, two uncollared wolves, and ý three pups), Hawks Nest Pack (AF486, AM619, and ý two pups), Iris Pack (AM798, an uncollared wolf, and ý one pup), Rim Pack (AF858, an uncollared wolf, and two pups), lone wolf M795, lone wolf m859; and, Hon-Dah Pack (AM578 and two uncollared wolves), located on the FAIR. New Mexico: Francisco Pack (AF511, an uncollared wolf, and ý two pups), Luna Pack (AF562, AM583), and Saddle Pack (AF797, AM732, and pups m860, f861, f862, m863, m864).

Other uncollared wolves may exist in the wild; however, project personnel have not confirmed their existence. All wolf sighting reports are investigated, but need to be reported in a timely manner.

NEW TRANSLOCATION On August 16, AF797 (former mate of Saddle AM574), surrogate mate AM732 (formerly of the Red Rock Pack), and pups m860, f861, f862, m863, and m864 sired by AM574 were captured at the Sevilleta Wolf Management Facility. All were given physical exams, vaccinations, and were radio collared. The following day, they were packed into the Gila Wilderness on mules and put into a mesh acclimation pen at McKenna Park. The Saddle Pack self-released the same day and have traveled several miles away from the release site. The entire pack has remained together.

MONITORING Personnel have begun trapping to capture un-collared wolves and field efforts continue to focus on monitoring wolf activity.

Arizona: On August 12, a motorist reported accidentally hitting m859 just north of Alpine. m859 remained in the vicinity for several days and since moved from the area. Project personnel have been unable to get a visual of m859 to determine whether or not the wolf was injured. Recently, m859 was located with its natal Bluestem Pack, moving at least 15 miles from the motor vehicle accident site. Even though m859 is a previous member of the Bluestem Pack, this is the first time these wolves have been located together. m859 was captured on SCAR as an uncollared wolf on November 21, 2003. For the past six months, m859 has been using areas along the Arizona/New Mexico border.

On August 27, the area closure for the Aspen Pack, in the vicinity of Hannagan Meadow, was lifted as they have traveled away from the release pen. The KP fire closure, also in the area, was rescinded by the USFS on August 10.

The Bluestem Pack, Cienega Pack alpha female, Hawks Nest Pack, and Rim Pack remained in their normal home ranges in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, as well as the Hon-Dah Pack alpha male on FAIR. The Iris Pack continues to use their normal home range in the northwestern portion of the Blue Range Wolf Recovery Area and the northern portion of FAIR.

M795 was located on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest.

Project personnel are currently attempting to capture and radio-collar un-collared Bluestem wolves. New Mexico: On August 11, project personnel captured an uncollared wild-born adult female, in the San Mateo Mountains, possibly the mate of San Mateo pack AM796. The female, AF903, was examined and it was determined that it had not raised pups. It was transported to Ladder Ranch in New Mexico.

On August 22, San Mateo Pack AM796 was captured by project personnel in the San Mateo Mountains. The IFT pulled all traps in the San Mateo Mountains after not finding or hearing any sign of additional wolves during intensive surveys. AM796 and AF903 are being held together at the Ladder Ranch Wolf Management Facility in New Mexico for future translocation. These wolves were removed from the San Mateo Mountains as per project regulations, which disallows wolves to establish territories wholly outside of the BRWRA.

The Luna Pack and Francisco Pack alpha female remained in their normal home ranges in the Gila National Forest.

Observation reports of wolves from the public are important as many of the wolves are currently dispersing. Please call the toll free number listed above to report wolf sighting as soon as possible after the sightings. Thank you for your help.

INCIDENTS On August 7, AF511 was seen feeding on a cow. Wildlife Services investigated the carcass and determined that lightening killed the cow. Project personnel removed the carcass.

On August 27, Wildlife Services investigated a cow carcass near Negrito airstrip, in New Mexico. It was determined that the cow died of natural causes.

On August 29, Wildlife Services investigated a cow carcass at T Bar Ridge, in New Mexico. It was determined that the cow died of natural causes.

CAPTIVE MANAGEMENT See ýTranslocationý above.

COMMUNICATION AND COORDINATION On August 14, Shawna Nelson gave four wolf presentations at the AGFD Hunter Education Workshop for instructors held at the Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area. Approximately 40 instructors attended the presentations.

On August 25, Krista Beazley and Deon Hinton from WMAT provided a wolf presentation to 60 parents at a Parents Skills Class, in White River.

On August 28, Dan Groebner provided a wolf project update to the board members of the Arizona Wilderness Coalition at their annual meeting held in Blue, AZ.

AGFD developed a new informational flyer to be sent to all elk and deer permit holders in Units 1 and 27 in Arizona. The flyer provides tips on identifying coyotes and wolves to avoid mistaken targets, as well as other information to reduce encounters and conflicts with wolves and other wildlife while hunting or recreating in the wolf recovery area.

PROJECT PERSONNEL: The IFT conducted interviews for the AGFD Wolf Technician position on August 10.

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 Mexican gray wolves. An additional $35,000 is being offered by a variety of public interest groups for a total amount of up to $45,000, depending on the information provided.

Individuals with information they believe may be helpful are urged to call one of the following agencies: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service special agents in Mesa, AZ, at (480) 967-7900, or Albuquerque, NM, at (505) 346-7828; the White Mountain Apache Tribe at (928) 338-1023 or (928) 338-4385; Arizona Game and Fish Department Operation Game Thief at 1-800-352-0700; or New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Operation Game Thief at 1-800-432-4263.

Killing a Mexican gray wolf is a violation of the federal Endangered Species Act, and can invoke criminal penalties of up to $25,000 and/or six (6) months in jail or a civil penalty of up to $25,000.

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