For immediate release: March 31, 2025

Media contacts: 

Greta Anderson, Western Watersheds Project (520) 623-1878; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Chris Smith, WildEarth Guardians (505) 395-6177, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Sally Paez, New Mexico Wild (505) 350-0664, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Nico Lorenzen, Wild Arizona (520) 289-0147, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Claire Musser, Grand Canyon Wolf Recovery Project (928) 202-1325 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Regan Downey, Wolf Conservation Center (914) 763-2373, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Jacqueline Covey, Defenders of Wildlife (630) 427-7164, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Taylor McKinnon, Center for Biological Diversity (801) 300-2414, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Wandering Wolf “Ella” Found Deceased in New Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The Mexican gray wolf who just last week was located north of Interstate 40 near Mount Taylor in New Mexico was found dead on Sunday, March 30, 2025. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has indicated that the cause of Ella’s death is under investigation.  She was named “Ella” by schoolchildren and her intrepid spirit was the subject of news coverage over the weekend. 

“We’re deeply saddened that her journey has come to an end, because her roaming was teaching us about where Mexican gray wolves choose to be,” said Greta Anderson, deputy director of Western Watersheds Project. “The agencies insist on keeping wolves south of Interstate 40 in Arizona and New Mexico based on the ‘historic range’ of the species, but wolves like Ella live in the present and they are showing us their species’ future is in an expanded northern range.” 

“It’s always devastating when we lose a member of this still small and imperiled population," said Chris Smith, wildlife program director for WildEarth Guardians. "But when we find that a young, intrepid wolf like Ella is taken, it's especially painful. Eventually, lobos will re-colonize their historic range. Until then, we will fight for their survival."

“The rugged slopes of Mount Taylor and surrounding areas host healthy herds of elk and would provide exceptional wolf habitat if humans were not intent on excluding them,” said Sally Paez, staff attorney for New Mexico Wild. In 2022, the State of New Mexico added 54,000 acres to the Marquez Wildlife Management Area, which created the largest wildlife management area in the state and vastly expanded the network of unfragmented public lands and wildlife corridors near Mount Taylor. “It is no surprise that a young wolf like Ella was drawn toward this wild landscape,” said Paez, “and we are deeply saddened by her loss.”

Mount Taylor is not only excellent lobo habitat; the area is also sacred land to Navajo, Acoma, Laguna, Hopi, Zuni, and other Indigenous peoples. The area holds about 1,000 cultural sites and has a rich cultural heritage and ceremonial importance to many people. 

“Ella’s death is a profound loss—not just for her species, but for all of us who saw in her journey a glimpse of what recovery could look like,” said Claire Musser, executive director of the Grand Canyon Wolf Recovery Project. “She was young, instinct-driven, and full of possibility. By venturing north, she was reclaiming space that wolves once called home. Her story deserves more than mourning—it demands action to ensure other wolves have the freedom to thrive where she could not.”

"Ella's life was tragically short but deeply impactful, and we should strive to be like her as we work to create a better world for Mexican gray wolves," said Regan Downey, director of education at the Wolf Conservation Center. "Let's be bold and unapologetic in our quest to let lobos roam beyond the arbitrary boundary of I-40. Let's be like Ella."

“Mexican wolves like Ella have shown time and again that the wildlands north of Interstate 40 are desirable wolf habitat,” said Taylor McKinnon, Southwest director at the Center for Biological Diversity. “Her death is a tragedy and its cause and circumstances need to be investigated and shared with the public.”

“This female wolf’s motivation to disperse north is a key instinct that we celebrated just last week as it is indication that this species is poised to recover its historic range. We are, sadly, now learning of her death and investigating the cause,” said Craig Miller, Defenders of Wildlife senior Arizona representative. “Mexican gray wolves must be allowed to roam freely to new territories and find mates to strengthen their genetics for future healthy populations.” 

“With Mexican grey wolves facing a panorama of threats including habitat degradation, genetic diversity loss, and threats to legislation that protects these imperiled wolves it is more important than ever to investigate these incidents and curb illegal mortality.” said Nico Lorenzen, conservation and wildlife associate with Wild Arizona.

There are 162 Mexican gray wolves known to be living in the wild in New Mexico, according to the latest annual census of the lobo population released by the agencies responsible for managing the species. 

Illegal mortality is the leading cause of death for Mexican gray wolves. Conservationists and agencies have offered a combined reward of more than $105,000 for information leading to the conviction of anyone who violates the Endangered Species Act and unlawfully kills a Mexican wolf. Individuals with information they believe may be helpful are urged to call one of the following agencies: USFWS special agents in Pinetop, Arizona, at (346) 254-0515 or NMDGF Operation Game Thief at (800) 432-4263. Killing a Mexican wolf is a violation of state law and the Federal Endangered Species Act and can result in criminal penalties of up to $50,000, and/or not more than one year in jail, and/or a civil penalty of up to $25,000.

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For Immediate Release March 28, 2025

Contacts:

Claire Musser, Grand Canyon Wolf Recovery Project, 928-202-1325 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Nico Lorenzen, Wild Arizona, 520-289-0147, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Jacqueline Covey, Defenders of Wildlife, 630-427-7164, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Regan Downey, Wolf Conservation Center, 914-763-2373, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Greta Anderson, Western Watersheds Project, 520-623-1878, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Kirk Robinson, Western Wildlife Conservancy, 801-468-1535, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

ANOTHER MEXICAN GRAY WOLF HAS WANDERED NORTH, AND CONSERVATIONISTS ARE CELEBRATING HER INTREPID ROAMING

Female Mexican gray wolf 2996 is returning to suitable wolf habitat near Mount Taylor

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Female Mexican gray wolf 2996, named “Ella” by schoolchildren, has peacefully wandered north of Interstate 40 in New Mexico toward Mount Taylor, an area of pristine habitat teeming with wildlife, including large herds of elk that range from its northeastern foothills all the way to the plateau of Mount Taylor. This area almost certainly would have been home to wolves for millennia before they were wiped out by humans. In fact, she’s traveling quite close to an area known as “Lobo Canyon,” suggesting the appropriateness of this landscape for Mexican wolves. 

“Ella is not just a number—she’s a sentient being, a bold young wolf charting her own path and showing us that wolves are the true agents of their recovery. By dispersing north of I-40, she’s proving that suitable, wild habitat still exists where wolves once thrived,” said Claire Musser, the executive director of the Grand Canyon Wolf Recovery Project. “Each wolf carries unique knowledge, instincts, and personality—traits essential to building strong, resilient packs. We need all of them, and they need the freedom to roam.”

“She is the third female wolf in three years to make the journey northward toward Colorado, guided by instinct outside the arbitrary boundaries of the Experimental Population Area, and we would do well to trust that instinct,” said Craig Miller, Defenders of Wildlife senior Arizona representative. “She is a remarkable testament to her ancestors that once roamed from Canada to Mexico, we hope her offspring can  roam again one day.”

“Twenty-seven  years ago this week, the wilds of the southwest were once again greeted with the howls of Mexican gray wolves. How exciting that as we honor this anniversary, we’re also celebrating another milestone  – yet another courageous wolf is proving that wolves belong north of I-40,” said Regan Downey, director of education at the Wolf Conservation Center. 

In a move applauded by conservationists, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has indicated there are no plans to capture her at this time. 

“This brave loba, and every wild wolf, is essential to the success of the recovery effort,” said Greta Anderson, deputy director of Western Watersheds Project. “We are glad that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is taking a ‘hands off’ approach to Ella. Long may she run!” 

“True recovery of the endangered Mexican wolf will require allowing them to expand their range,” said Kirk Robinson, executive director of Western Wildlife Conservancy. “Insisting on an artificial boundary that wolves must not cross makes no sense.”

“Mexican gray wolves consistently cross Interstate 40 only to be dragged back within an illusory management delineation. Lobos will orient themselves toward habitat that best matches what they need. With the vast majority of our landscapes bereft of large carnivores who are critical for ecosystem resilience we must ask ourselves, is an interstate the best way to determine where wolves should live or do the wolves have a better nose for such things? Ella clearly has her own answer and we’d be wise to let her roam.” Nico Lorenzen, Conservation and Wildlife Associate with Wild Arizona.

Mount Taylor is not only excellent lobo habitat; the area is also sacred land to Navajo, Acoma, Laguna, Hopi, Zuni, and other Indigenous peoples. The area holds about 1000 cultural sites and has a rich cultural heritage and ceremonial importance to many people. 

Background on Mexican Gray Wolves:

The lobo, or Mexican gray wolf, is the smallest, most genetically distinct, and one of the rarest subspecies of the gray wolf. These native southwestern wolves were listed under the Endangered Species Act in 1976 after being eradicated in the wild. Reintroduction efforts began in 1998, but conservation efforts have suffered without the implementation of recommended recovery actions. 

For years, scientists have recommended to the Service that there be three subpopulations of at least 200 wolves each (with a minimum of 750 total), spread throughout the southwestern United States, including areas like the Grand Canyon Ecoregion and the Southern Rockies (Carroll et al. 2006; Wayne and Hedrick 2011; Carroll et al. 2014; Hendricks, et al. 2016). Scientists warn that this metapopulation structure and geographic distribution are imperative to the recovery of Mexican wolves. Unfortunately, we are still far short of this scientific recommendation.

Learn more at www.mexicanwolves.org.

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For Immediate Release March 3, 2025

Contacts:

Chris Smith, WildEarth Guardians, 505–395-6177, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Claire Musser, Grand Canyon Wolf Recovery Project, 928-202-1325 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Michael Robinson, Center for Biological Diversity, 575-313-7017, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Greta Anderson, Western Watersheds Project, 520-623-1878, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Regan Downey, Wolf Conservation Center, 914-763-2373, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

MEXICAN GRAY WOLF NUMBERS ARE UP, BUT TRUMP ADMINISTRATION BUDGET CUTS COULD THREATEN RECOVERY  

Mexican gray wolf population count increases, but lobos are still threatened by low gene diversity and high illegal killing 

ALBUQUERQUE, NM – The Arizona Game and Fish Department and New Mexico Department of Game and Fish released the results of the annual wild Mexican gray wolf population count today, revealing that the number of wolves in the wild at the end of January 2025 in Arizona and New Mexico increased to a minimum of 286 wolves. While population growth is positive, the wild population’s genetic crisis becomes harder to fix as the population expands. Conservation groups point to the lack of genetic diversity as a long-term threat to the species, while recognizing lobos are more immediately threatened by potential budget cuts to the program.  

“The slow growth of this critical and singular wild lobo population is a testament to the species' resiliency and their place on the landscape where they have roamed for thousands of years,” said Chris Smith, wildlife program director for WildEarth Guardians. “But the reality is that illegal killings, genetic crisis, and a lack of room to roam are impairing true recovery. As the federal administration abandons the environment, wildlife, and conservation, states need to step up.”

“More Mexican wolves means more opportunities for hikers and campers to see these beautiful animals, but the Fish and Wildlife Service has to act quickly to protect them from a dwindling gene pool,” said Michael Robinson, a senior conservation advocate at the Center for Biological Diversity. “If genetic diversity isn’t truly increased it could mean that our descendants might never see any of these exquisite wolves. Such a tragedy is entirely preventable with science-based reforms.”

“Wolves like Hope (F2979) have shown us that Mexican gray wolves are capable of finding and thriving in suitable habitat beyond the artificial I-40 boundary,” said Claire Musser, executive director of the Grand Canyon Wolf Recovery Project. “The Grand Canyon ecoregion and the southern Rockies offer the space, prey, and ecological connectivity necessary for true recovery. If we continue to confine wolves to politically drawn lines, we are not following science—we are failing the species. Wolves must be allowed to disperse naturally to ensure a genetically viable and self-sustaining population.”

“We’re concerned that Mexican gray wolf recovery will be defunded by people in the Trump administration who don’t care about the non-monetary values of wild things and wild places,” said Greta Anderson, deputy director of Western Watersheds Project. “We don’t always agree with how Mexican wolves are managed, but we know that without the continued federal engagement and the strong protections of the Endangered Species Act, we wouldn’t have this many lobos alive and in the wild.”

“We’re heartened by the continued growth of the wild Mexican gray wolf population and take pride in knowing that Slides, a Mexican wolf born at the Wolf Conservation Center (NY) and fostered into a wild family, is contributing to the growth of his endangered species,” said Regan Downey, director of education at the Wolf Conservation Center. “We hope that with our collective efforts, and the science-based leadership of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, all Mexican wolves will thrive wherever they choose to roam.”

Background on Mexican Gray Wolves:

The lobo, or Mexican gray wolf, is the smallest, most genetically distinct, and one of the rarest subspecies of the gray wolf. These native southwestern wolves were listed under the Endangered Species Act in 1976 after being eradicated in the wild. Reintroduction efforts began in 1998, but conservation efforts have suffered without the implementation of recommended recovery actions. 

For years, scientists have recommended to the Service that there be three subpopulations of at least 200 wolves each (with a minimum of 750 total), spread throughout the southwestern United States, including areas like the Grand Canyon Ecoregion and the Southern Rockies (Carroll et al. 2006; Wayne and Hedrick 2011; Carroll et al. 2014; Hendricks, et al. 2016). Scientists warn that this metapopulation structure and geographic distribution are imperative to the recovery of Mexican wolves. Unfortunately, we are still far short of this scientific recommendation.

Learn more at www.mexicanwolves.org.

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For immediate release December 20, 2024

Media contacts: 

Cyndi Tuell, Western Watersheds Project, (520) 272-2454, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Chris Smith, WildEarth Guardians, (505) 395-6177, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Claire Musser, Grand Canyon Wolf Recovery Project (928) 202-1325 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Bryan Bird, Defenders of Wildlife, (505) 395-7332, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Regan Downey, Wolf Conservation Center, (914) 763-2373, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Latest Report on Mexican Gray Wolf Recovery Shows Ongoing Problems

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Arizona Game and Fish Department paint a rosy picture of wolf recovery despite recovery failures in Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Mexican gray wolf advocates are raising alarm bells about the most recent report on recovery efforts released by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today. The 5-year evaluation assessing the progress of the recovery program notes the population of Mexican wolves in the United States is increasing and the Fish and Wildlife Service claims the program has surpassed recovery goals. However, the agency significantly downplayed high mortality rates and lack of releases in Mexico. 

“We are deeply concerned that the Fish and Wildlife Service is ignoring the troubling trend in the Mexican population of lobos and has tried to distract the public’s attention with fairly limited successes for the program in the U.S.,” said Cyndi Tuell, the Arizona and New Mexico director at Western Watersheds Project. “For lobo recovery to be successful, we need at least three viable subpopulations in suitable habitat in the U.S. as well, but we have only one.” 

The report does not include the most recent information about lobo recovery in Mexico, failing to include any information from 2024, while population growth rates in the U.S. appear to be declining. Pup mortality in the U.S. is higher than expected and the mortality rate for pups in Mexico couldn’t be calculated because too few pups had radio collars. 

"This is lipstick on a pig," said Chris Smith, wildlife program director for WildEarth Guardians. "Credit is due for the successes of the recovery program. But this report glosses over significant setbacks and real threats to recovery. There is no functional wolf population in Mexico; there may be no wolves in Mexico at all.” 

“The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service continues to focus its recovery efforts within the Mexican Wolf Experimental Population Area (MWEPA), ignoring the critical needs of dispersing wolves and failing to acknowledge that suitable habitat exists beyond this artificial boundary,” said Claire Musser, executive director of the Grand Canyon Wolf Recovery Project. “Scientific research—and the wolves themselves—make it clear that the current strategy limits recovery rather than facilitates it. True recovery requires a plan that works with the wolves, not against them, ensuring their survival and ecological contributions outside the arbitrary boundary of Interstate 40.”

"Despite encouraging growth in the United States, the truth is, Mexico remains a death trap for the Mexican gray wolf,” said Bryan Bird, Southwest Director for Defenders of Wildlife. “Relying on our southern neighbor – with far less resources and marginal habitat – is a dangerous gamble. The FWS must direct more resources to Mexico and expand the U.S. population area northward. Otherwise, Mexican gray wolf recovery will remain just an illusion.”  

“We celebrate the promising growth of the wild population in the US, especially the survival of fostered pups from captive facilities like ours,” said Regan Downey, director of education at the Wolf Conservation Center. “We’re doing our part to commit to recovery, but what’s Fish and Wildlife Service’s plan to counter the lack of recovery in Mexico? Wolves are paying with their lives.”

Illegal mortality is the highest source of Mexican wolf mortality and efforts to address the problem include hunter education and law enforcement investigations. Of the 61 wolf mortalities suspected to be human caused between 2017 and 2022 in the U.S., just two people have been federally prosecuted and only three people have paid a fine. 

Background:

The lobo, or Mexican gray wolf, is the smallest, most genetically distinct, and one of the rarest subspecies of the gray wolf. These native southwestern wolves were listed under the Endangered Species Act in 1976 after being eradicated in the wild. Reintroduction efforts began in 1998, but conservation efforts have suffered without the implementation of recommended recovery actions. 

For years, scientists have recommended to the Service that there be three subpopulations of at least 200 wolves each (with a minimum of 750 total), spread throughout the southwestern United States, including areas like the Grand Canyon Ecoregion and the Southern Rockies (Carroll et al. 2006; Wayne and Hedrick 2011; Carroll et al. 2014; Hendricks et al. 2016). Scientists warn that this metapopulation structure and geographic distribution are imperative to the recovery of Mexican wolves. Unfortunately, we are still far short of this scientific recommendation.

Mexican gray wolves are protected under the Endangered Species Act. Killing a Mexican wolf is a violation of the Federal Endangered Species Act and can result in criminal penalties of up to $50,000, and/or up to one year in jail, plus a potential civil penalty of up to $25,000. Individuals with information they believe may be helpful are urged to call one of the following agencies: USFWS special agents in Pinetop, Arizona, at (346) 254-0515; the WMAT at (928) 338-1023 or (928) 338-4385; AZGFD Operation Game Thief at (800) 352-0700; or NMDGF Operation Game Thief at (800) 432-4263. There is a $105,000 reward fund for information about illegal killings of Mexican gray wolves.

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For immediate release November 15, 2024

Media contacts: 

Cyndi Tuell, Western Watersheds Project, 520-272-2454, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Sandy Bahr, Sierra Club - Grand Canyon Chapter, 602-999-5790, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Taylor McKinnon, Center for Biological Diversity, 801-300-2414, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Claire Musser, Grand Canyon Wolf Recovery Project, 928-202-1325, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Conservation groups demand justice after Mexican wolf near Flagstaff found dead

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Arizona Game and Fish Department announced today that Hope, a Mexican wolf living west of Flagstaff since at least June, was found dead on November 7th in the vicinity of Forest Service Road 2058 and East Spring Valley Road. No other details of her death were released and the incident is under investigation. 

“Hope was a sentient individual being and a messenger of the changes needed in the Mexican gray wolf recovery program,” said Claire Musser, executive director, at Grand Canyon Wolf Recovery Project. “The territory she claimed north of Interstate 40 and outside of the official recovery area demonstrated that suitable and appropriate Mexican wolf habitat exists in northern Arizona. The federal and state agencies should be listening to what she had to say and allow wolves to become active agents in their recovery.” 

“In every photo we saw of Hope, her collar was plainly visible. If she was shot, the shooter had to know she wasn’t a coyote,” said Cyndi Tuell, Arizona and New Mexico director at Western Watersheds Project. “If someone killed Hope, the full weight of the federal and state law should be brought to bear against the person or persons who took her away from our human community which found inspiration and joy in her existence, and from the non-human community that depends upon top predators to bring balance to the landscape.” 

According to the announcement of Hope’s death, DNA analysis revealed she had dispersed from the Tu Dil Hil pack in the Mexican Wolf Experimental Population Area. Hope was seen traveling with another Mexican wolf, known as Mystery. Mystery’s fate is unknown.

Wolves like Hope and the Kendrick Peak pack had broad public support from the people in northern Arizona and beyond. In 2021, the City of Flagstaff passed a resolution supporting the recovery of Mexican gray wolves in northern Arizona in order to restore the natural balance of the land, and for the economic benefits from wolf-related tourism. Scientists have recommended that additional subpopulations be included in the recovery plan for Mexican gray wolves, including the Grand Canyon ecoregion and the southern Rockies of northern New Mexico and southern Colorado. 

“If the investigation into Hope’s death reveals that a person killed her, we expect the Arizona Game and Fish Department to advocate for justice for Hope,” said Sandy Bahr, director for Sierra Club’s Grand Canyon Chapter. “When someone poaches an elk or kills the wrong species of deer, the Arizona Game and Fish Department immediately seeks help from the public to solve the crime and when the perpetrator is identified, the Department takes action. They have a trust responsibility for all of Arizona’s wildlife. We expect them to uphold that responsibility for Hope.”

“Hope embodied the dreams of so many here in Flagstaff, including the school children who named her, that wolves can return and restore natural balance to the Grand Canyon region,” said Taylor McKinnon, the Southwest director of the Center for Biological Diversity. “Anyone with information about this senseless death should report it so our elk-filled forests can once again thrive with the wolves who belong here.”

Mexican gray wolves are protected under the Endangered Species Act. Killing a Mexican wolf is a violation of the Federal Endangered Species Act and can result in criminal penalties of up to $50,000, and/or up to one year in jail, seizure of firearms, vehicles, and buildings involved in the crime, plus a potential civil penalty of up to $25,000. Individuals with information they believe may be helpful in solving crimes related to Mexican gray wolves are urged to call one of the following agencies: USFWS special agents in Pinetop, Arizona, at (346) 254-0515; or AZGFD Operation Game Thief at (800) 352-0700; or NMDGF Operation Game Thief at (800) 432-4263. There is a $103,500 reward fund for information about illegal killings of Mexican gray wolves.

Photos are available for media use upon request.

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