Latest Note from the Field -- June 9, 2004

This is a summary of the Mexican gray wolf reintroduction project in Arizona and New Mexico. Additional information can be obtained by calling (928) 339-4329 or toll free at 1-888-459-WOLF, or by visiting the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Serviceýs web site at http://mexicanwolf.fws.gov. Past updates may also be viewed on this website or interested parties may sign up to receive the update electronically by visiting www.azgfd.com. This update is public property and can be used for any purpose. Please distribute as you see fit. The reintroduction project is a multi-agency cooperative effort between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF), USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services (USDA-WS), U.S. Forest Service (USFS), the White Mountain Apache Tribe (WMAT) on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation (FAIR), the San Carlos Apache Tribe (SCAT) on the San Carlos Apache Reservation (SCAR), and other supporting organizations including the Turner Endangered Species Fund (TESF) and Defenders of Wildlife (DOW).

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 report, a ýwolf packý is defined as two or more wolves, at least one being 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 (ITF) recognizes that there could be uncollared wolves that form either a group or a pack. If they are confirmed through trapping, sightings, or other methods they will be included in the appropriate category.

CURRENT POPULATION STATUS As of the end of April, the population consisted of 15 wolves with radio collars in seven packs, three groups, and two lone wolves. Arizona: Hawks Nest Pack (AF486, AM619), Cienega Pack AF487 (traveling with another uncollared wolf), Bluestem Pack (AF521, AM507), Saddle Pack AM574, M798 (traveling with an uncollared wolf), F858 (traveling with an uncollared wolf), M795; and, Hon-Dah Pack (AM578), located on the FAIR. New Mexico: Luna Pack (AF562, AM583), Francisco Pack AF511 (traveling with an uncollared wolf), M796 (traveling with an uncollared wolf), and M859.

Based on other field data (sightings, tracks, howling etc.), there are approximately 35-40 additional wolves, including pups born last year, distributed among the groups, as well as wolves traveling separately from known groups.

SEASONAL NEWS Mexican wolf pups are generally born from mid-April to mid-May. As such, project personnel are actively monitoring to determine if females are denning in order to document wild-born pups. Currently, the IFT believes that seven females have denned.

MONITORING Field efforts continue to focus on monitoring wolf activity throughout the Blue Range Wolf Recovery Area, as well as on both the SCAR and the FAIR in Arizona.

The following is a brief status of wolf activities:

Arizona: WS is still attempting to capture Saddle Pack AM574 due to previous depredations on the SCAR. Project personnel no longer believe that an uncollared wolf is traveling with him. He has been traveling widely across the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, FAIR, and SCAR.

M795 remained on the FAIR during the month of May.

New Mexico: On several occasions project personnel observed M796 with an uncollared pregnant wolf in the San Mateo Mountains, outside of the recovery area. Recent sightings have confirmed that the female has whelped. The Mexican wolf final rule stipulates that wolves are not allowed to establish territories outside the recovery area. Therefore, project personnel are determining appropriate measures for management and removal of the two wolves and their pups.

M859 traveled from Arizona to the Gila National Forest in New Mexico last month and remained in New Mexico during May.

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 sightings.

FATE UNKNOWN On June 1 and 2, an intensive search flight was conducted for Bonito Creek M794, Gapiwi AF624, and M832 throughout Arizona and New Mexico. None of the three wolves were located; therefore, all are now status ýFate Unknowný.

INCIDENTS On May 1, WS personnel investigated a newborn calf carcass near the San Mateo Mountains. The kill was determined to be a confirmed wolf depredation by M796and the uncollared female.

MORTALITIES On May 19, Hon-Dah yearling m823 was found dead on Highway 60, northwest of Springerville. He was released as a pup last year and had apparently dispersed from the pack. Based on reports from the public, he had been in the area for a few days. The Veterinary Medical Examination Report, released May 28, documented that the wolf died of injuries typical of vehicular trauma.

CAPTIVE MANAGEMENT Wolf F797, formerly of the Francisco Pack and recently recaptured from the wild, gave birth to five pups on April 5 at the Sevilleta Wolf Management Facility. On May 25 all five pups were captured and given physical exams.

Wolf F667 gave birth to three pups on April 15 at the Ladder Ranch Wolf Management Facility. As of May 21, all three pups, at five weeks old, appeared to be doing well.

Wolf F799, recaptured from the wild, gave birth to 6 pups on April 24, at the Sevilleta Wolf Management Facility. Later the same day, it was confirmed that one pup had died. Based on observations made after April 26, there have been no indications that F799 was raising the litter. On May 25, project personal searched the pen and confirmed that no pups had survived.

COMMUNICATION AND COORDINATION On April 20, Dan Stark gave a wolf presentation to 30 people at the Geo Marine spotted owl camp in the Gila, NM.

On May 8, Shawna Nelson manned a wolf information booth at the Payson Wildlife Fair. Approximately 1,500 people were contacted during this event.

On May 10, an Interagency Field Team meeting was conducted at the Alpine Field Office. Primary topics included future releases in AZ and translocations in NM, the 5-Year Review, and depredation issues.

On May 15, Shawna Nelson and the Phoenix Sierra Club posted wolf informational signs in various locations in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. A wolf presentation was also given to the 16 volunteers.

PROJECT PERSONNEL Rich Bard, AGFD Wolf Technician for the past year, left the project May 21 to take a job in Maine as an Assistant Wildlife Biologist. Thank you Rich for all of your hard work and dedication!

Luis Gonzalez, a Mexican biologist intern, began working with the project May 14 as a six-month USFWS volunteer. Cassie Hallmark, AGFD intern with the National Science Foundation, began working with the project May 24 and will be here for 10 weeks.

Valerie Mitchell, formerly an intern with the Red Wolf Program, will be starting with the project May 31 as a six-month USFWS volunteer.

Laura Kelly, formerly an intern with the California Wolf Center, will be starting with the project May 31 as a six-month USFWS volunteer.

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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