THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
PHOENIX — Wildlife managers are investigating the deaths of two Mexican gray wolves in New Mexico.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s latest update on the wolf reintroduction effort in eastern Arizona and western New Mexico says the dead wolves were found in October.
The update says the collared population at the end of October totaled 59 wolves, with 18 packs and six single wolves.
Authorities also are investigating several livestock deaths. One is classified as a probably killed by wolves.
The reintroduction program has been hampered over the years by politics, illegal killings and other factors. Disputes over management of the predators also have spurred numerous legal actions by environmentalists and ranchers.
Rewards are offered for information leading to the convictions of those responsible for shooting deaths of Mexican wolves.