Authorities have launched an investigation after a federally protected Mexican wolf was found dead on Nov. 7 northwest of Flagstaff, Arizona.
The remains of a female Mexican wolf, identified as F2979, were discovered near Forest Service Road 2058 and East Spring Valley Road, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) said in a Nov. 15 news release. Federal and state officials are seeking public assistance, offering a reward totaling up to $103,500 for information leading to the conviction of the people responsible.
The USFWS did not disclose the wolf’s cause of death but confirmed that the mortality was unrelated to the agency’s wildlife management actions.
Mexican gray wolves are protected under the Endangered Species Act. Violations carry severe penalties including up to $50,000 in fines, one year in prison, and additional civil penalties of up to $25,000.
Various agencies are now offering rewards for information leading to the conviction of those responsible for the death of the Mexican wolf. The USFWS leads with a reward offer of up to $50,000. The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Operation Game Thief has pledged up to $1,000, as did the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.
A variety of non-governmental organizations and private individuals have separately pledged funding for an additional total reward amount of up to $51,500, depending on the information provided.
A Notable Journey Ends Tragically
The wolf, tagged F2979 and affectionately nicknamed “Hope” by wildlife enthusiasts, was first spotted outside the Mexican Wolf Experimental Population Area (MWEPA) north of Interstate 40 earlier this year, the USFWS said.
Hope was captured, fitted with a GPS collar, and released back into the wild in July. DNA analysis revealed she had dispersed from the Tu Dil Hil pack within the MWEPA.
Hope had been traveling with another wolf, prompting officials to begin efforts in October to translocate the pair back to the MWEPA. These efforts were still underway when her body was found.
The status of the second wolf remains unknown.
Cyndi Tuell, Arizona and New Mexico Director for the Western Watersheds Project, voiced outrage at the loss of Hope, whose visible GPS collar should have signaled her protected status.
“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,” Tuell said.
“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.”
Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact USFWS Special Agents in Pinetop, Arizona, at (346) 254-0515.