 WolvesWolf History, Conservation, Ecology and Behavior
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Mexican Wolf Reintroduction Updates: May-August 2002
These reports have been archived for those interested in tracking the progress of the Mexican wolf reintroduction program. They have been edited to the extent that the "Unknown Status" and "Rewards Offered" segments are featured only in the January, May, and September reports, as that information did not often change. Some items in "Personnel" and "Communications & Coordination" have also been deleted. And, unlike the reports for the current year, these reports are arranged from January to December.
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MAY-JUNE 2002
May 1 - 15, 2002
This is a brief summary of current information about the Mexican gray wolf reintroduction program in Arizona and New Mexico. Additional information can be obtained by calling (505) 248-6652 or (928) 367-4281 or by visiting our web site, http://mexicanwolf.fws.gov. Call toll-free at (888) 459-9653 to report suspected livestock depredations, incidents of take or harassment of wolves, or wolf sightings. The reintroduction is a multi-agency cooperative effort between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Arizona Game and Fish Department, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, USDA-Wildlife Services, U.S. Forest Service, the Turner Endangered Species Fund, and the White Mountain Apache Tribe.
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 preceding the number indicate adult animals two years or older (M = Male, F = Female). Capital letter AA@ preceding the letter and number indicate alpha wolves. Lower case letters indicate sub-adults or pups (m = male, f = female).
WOLF PACK NEWS:
Saddle Pack (AM574, AF510, F646): Arizona All three wolves have been localized southwest of Blue Vista and are presumed to be denning.
Hawks Nest Pack (AM619, AF486): Arizona The pair has been spending time in the Coyote Creek area. Project personnel have not observed denning behavior with the pair to date.
Bonito Creek Pack (AM674, AF587): Arizona The pair has been localized north of Maverick. Project personnel suspect the pair is denning.
Cienega Pack (AM194, AF487, F621): Arizona, New Mexico The alpha pair has localized southeast of Hannagan Meadow. Project personnel suspect the pair is denning. Yearling F621 is still in New Mexico and has been located near Bear Wallow Mountain.
Francisco Pack (AM509, AF511, F644): Arizona The alpha pair has been traveling together southwest of Malay Gap. Project personnel have not observed denning behavior with the pair to date. F644 is on the White Mountain Apache Reservation south of Hawley Lake.
Pipestem Pack (AM190, AF628): New Mexico AF628 localized in Black Springs Canyon and whelped a litter of seven pups on or about April 27. Project personnel located the den and attempted to trap the alpha pair at the den but were not successful. The pups were pulled from the den on May 5 and were bought to Albuquerque where they were bottle fed by project personnel until the pair was captured via a helicopter darting operation on May 10. The pups were reunited with the pair in the afternoon on the 10th and observations were done throughout the weekend to determine if the female would accept the pups back, which she did. The pack remains at Sevilleta where the pups are being raised by the pair. One of the pups is not consistent with what we would expect a Mexican wolf pup to look like, therefore, blood was taken from all seven pups as well as the pair to determine parentage. Results are expected shortly.
Gapiwi (AM584, AF624): New Mexico The pair has localized southwest of Lilley Park in the Gila Wilderness and is presumed to be denning.
Luna Pack (AM563, AF562): New Mexico The pair has localized northeast of McKenna Park in the Gila Wilderness and is presumed to be denning.
FATE UNKNOWN (indicates wolves that have not been located for three months or longer)
M555 (Gavilan Pack B last signal 02/12/00) M627 (Pipestem Pack B last signal 07/02/00) F189 (Mule Pack B last signal 02/02/01) F127 (Hawk=s Nest Pack - slipped out of radio collar; last seen 9/19/98) F579 (Mule Pack un-collared pup released 5/24/99) M581 (Mule Pack un-collared pup released 5/24/99) M586 (Gavilan Pack un-collared pup released 5/22/99) M641 (Francisco Pack un-collared pup released 7/15/00) M642 (Francisco Pack un-collared pup released 7/15/00) M643 (Francisco Pack un-collared pup released 7/15/00) M678 (Lupine Pack un-collared pup released 6/20/01) F679 (Lupine Pack un-collared pup released 6/20/01) M680 (Lupine Pack un-collared pup released 6/20/01) Three un-collared Hawk=s Nest pups (sexes unknown) released 6/3/99
SEASONAL NEWS
Several of the females are believed to be denning. Denning is generally determined by daily monitoring efforts during mid-April to mid-May which is when Mexican wolves generally give birth. If the pack localizes during this time frame, particularly the alpha female, it is a good indication that she has denned and is tending to pups. The average litter size is 4 - 6 pups.
PERSONNEL
A special thanks to Carter Niemeyer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Idaho Wolf Recovery Coordinator, for assisting with the capture of the Pipestem pair. Carter has extensive expertise with darting and net-gunning and was brought down to help insure the successful capture of the pair.
LITIGATION
The Coalition of Arizona and New Mexico Counties for Stable Economic Growth, the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association, and the Gila Permittees Association (collectively the ACoalition@) have filed a sixty -day notice of intent to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for violations of the Endangered Species Act and the National Environmental Policy Act relating to the reintroduction of the Mexican wolf into the southwestern United States.....The Center for Biological Diversity has filed a sixty-day notice of intent to sue the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management for violation of the Endangered Species Act for failing to take measures (i.e. removal of livestock carcasses and/or render them unpalatable) that would prevent Mexican wolves from feeding on livestock carcasses, thus leading to the wolves= removal from the wild.
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 recent shooting deaths of three Mexican gray wolves. An additional $5,000 is being offered by the Center for Biological Diversity. The Lupine Pack alpha female, AF169, was found dead from gunshot wounds on November 15 near Maverick Mountain on the White Mountain Apache Reservation; Saddle Pack yearling female, f645, was found dead from gunshot wounds on November 5, near Forest Road 117, south of Highway 60, in the Greens Peak area near Vernon; and Lupine yearling male, m630, was found dead from gunshot wounds December 3, 18 miles northwest of Springerville, south of Highway 60 in Apache County, Arizona.
Investigations into the illegal killing of four other Mexican wolves are also still being conducted:
C Campbell Blue alpha female, AF174, was shot on August 7, 1998, in the Williams Valley area near Alpine, Arizona.
C Hawk=s Nest male, m532, was found dead from gunshot wounds near the Arizona/New Mexico state line on November 7, 1998.
C Hawk=s Nest male, m531, was found dead from gunshot wounds on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation on November 23, 1998.
C Francisco yearling male, m590, was found dead from gunshot wounds on December 18, 2000 approximately 2 mile north of Highway 12 in the Apache National Forest=s Divide wood cutting area near Aragon, New Mexico.
Individuals with information they believe may be helpful should call one of these agencies: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service special agents in Mesa, AZ at (480) 835-8289 or Pinetop at (928) 367-5689; the White Mountain Apache Tribe at (928) 338-1023 or (928) 338-4385; Arizona Game and Fish Operation Game Thief at 1-800-352-0700; or New Mexico Game and Fish Department Operation Game Thief at 1-800-432-4263.
The killing of a Mexican gray wolf is a violation of Federal and State=s of Arizona and New Mexico laws. Violations of the Federal Endangered Species Act can invoke criminal penalties of up to $25,000 and /or six months in jail, or a civic penalty of up to $10,000.
May 16 - June 15, 2002
WOLF PACK NEWS
Bluestem Pack (AM507, AF521, F637, M639, m754, m755, m756, f757, f758): This newly released pack is in the area of Fish Bench in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. On June 11, the alpha pair, two 2-year olds, and 5 pups were put in a mesh acclimation pen; they self-released the same day and appear to be doing well. Project personnel will provide supplemental feed of elk and deer carcasses until there is evidence they are hunting on their own. Area closures are in effect to protect the release site. (Also see Captive Management section).
Saddle Pack (AM574, AF510, F646): Arizona All three remain together southwest of Blue Vista and have denned in the area. Recently they have begun to travel east of their den site. One set of fresh pup tracks was documented with the pack, indicating that any pups are traveling with the adults. Area closures are in effect to protect the den site.
Hawks Nest Pack (AM619, AF486): Arizona Project personnel have been intensively monitoring this pair in an effort to determine if they are denning. As of yet, denning activity has not been confirmed as the pair continues to move frequently over large distances rather than localizing in a particular area (which usually indicates denning activity). Additionally, they have been observed on several occasions and no pups have been seen with them. They have been moving back and forth from the Campbell Flat area all the way up to Sierra Blanca Lake.
Bonito Creek Pack (AM674, AF587): Arizona The pair has been using the areas near Hurricane Lake and Reservation Lake and are denning. Area closures are in effect to protect the den site.
Cienega Pack (AM194, AF487, F621): Arizona, New Mexico The alpha pair continues to use the areas northwest of Moonshine Park and southeast of Hannagan Meadow and are denning. Area closures are in effect to protect the den site. Yearling F621 is in New Mexico and continues to use the area northeast of Bear Wallow Mountain.
Francisco Pack (AM509, AF511, F644): Arizona The alpha pair has been traveling together southwest of Malay Gap and northwest of Freezeout Mountain and are denning. On several occasions, F644 has been with her parents but she has been also located away from them, although still in the same general vicinity.
Pipestem Pack (AM190, AF628): Captivity The alpha pair and the seven pups remain in captivity at the Sevilleta wolf facility. Four independent laboratories are running genetic tests in order to determine parentage of the pups; results are still pending.
Gapiwi Pack (AM584, AF624): New Mexico The pair is in the Gila Wilderness and continue to be located in the vicinity of Lilley Park. They are denning. Project personnel continue to supplementally feed this pair.
Luna Pack (AM583, AF562): New Mexico The pair continues to use the vicinity of McKenna Park in the Gila Wilderness and are denning. They continue to be supplementally fed by project personnel.
SEASONAL NEWS
Seven of the eight free-ranging packs are believed to be denning. Denning is generally determined by daily monitoring efforts during mid-April to mid-May which is when Mexican wolves generally give birth. If the pack localizes during this time frame, particularly the alpha female, it is a good indication that she has denned and is tending to pups. It is based on this information that we note females are denning. Confirmation of litters typically occurs at a later date when pups are older. The average litter size is 4 - 6 pups.
CAPTIVE MANAGEMENT
On June 10, a pack of Mexican wolves was transferred from the Sevilleta wolf facility to Arizona for release. The wolves were placed in a mesh pen on June 11 near Fish Bench in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. They self- released from the pen later that day and remain in the area. The Bluestem Pack consists of nine wolves: an alpha pair, a two-year old male and female, and 5 pups (3 males and 2 females). The pack is of the Ghost Ranch lineage of Mexican wolves. The pack name results from native bluestem grasses found in their new territory.
COMMUNICATION AND COORDINATION
Brian Kelly, and members of the Service from other regions, met with the Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service and the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Fish, Wildlife, and Parks on June 5 to discuss the status of wolf recovery nationwide.....Dan Groebner and Shawna Nelson provided a wolf project update to the Audubon Society's Annual White Mountain Campout held near Greens Peak on the west side of the Wolf Recovery Area on June 15. Approximately 20 campers attended.....Project personnel assisted a livestock permittee in gathering nomadic cows in the Saddle Pack territory in order to prevent any wolf/livestock/cow dog confrontations. This was done on a precautionary basis only so the permittee did not have to use cow dogs to round up the cattle (if the dogs come into contact with the wolves, they could be injured since the wolves are denning and likely to be territorial and defensive of their den site). There have been no confrontations to date.....The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) filmed the newly released Bluestem Pack for a wolf documentary they are producing (to be aired in 2003).
PERSONNEL
John Oakleaf has accepted the USFWS Mexican Wolf Field Coordinator position. His approximate start date is September 1. A more formal announcement of his hiring will be forthcoming.
June 16 B June 30, 2002
WOLF PACK NEWS
Bluestem Pack (AM507, AF521, F637, M639, m754, m755, m756, f757, f758): Arizona F637 dispersed from the pack shortly after release and has traveled in the areas of Big Lake, Sierra Blanca Lake, and more recently, southeast of Sunrise Lake. The alpha pair, M639, and presumably the pups have remained together and have localized near the release site. Project personnel will provide supplemental feed of elk and deer carcasses until there is evidence that they are hunting on their own. Area closures are in effect to protect the release site.
Saddle Pack (AM574, AF510, F646): Arizona Over the past few weeks, the pack has been traveling between the Black River and Salt House Creek. On June 16 they were located near the Fish Bench release site, but no interaction between the two packs (Saddle and Bluestem) was documented. Area closures are in effect to protect the den site.
Hawks Nest Pack (AM619, AF486): Arizona The pair has been spending most of their time in the Campbell Blue drainage. Project personnel observed the pair on June 20 moving through a herd of elk. Although the moment was fairly tense, no interaction was observed. Project personnel have not determined if they are denning.
Bonito Creek Pack (AM674, AF587): Arizona The pair has been using the areas around Hurricane and Reservation Lakes. Area closures are in effect to protect the den site.
Cienega Pack (AM194, AF487, F621): Arizona, New Mexico The pair has started to move more frequently in the areas considered to be their summer range around Hannagan Meadow. Area closures are in effect to protect the den site. Yearling F621 remains in New Mexico and has been located between Corner Mountain and Willow Creek.
Francisco Pack (AM509, AF511, F644): Arizona The alpha pair and F644 have been located together northeast of Malay Tank and are denning. Occasionally F644 is located separately from the alpha pair.
Pipestem Pack (AM190, AF628): New Mexico The pack remains in captivity at the Sevilleta wolf facility; genetic results on the parentage of the pups are still pending.
Gapiwi Pack (AM584, AF624): New Mexico The pair is in the Gila Wilderness and continue to be located in the vicinity of Lilley Park. They are denning. Project personnel continue to provide supplemental feed for the pair. A wolf, believed to be AM584, was observed by Forest Service personnel on June 15 and had a full stomach.
Luna Pack (AM583, AF562): New Mexico The pair continues to use the areas around McKenna Park and White Creek Cabin in the Gila Wilderness. They are denning. Project personnel continue to provide supplemental feed for the pair.
SEASONAL NEWS
The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest in Arizona and the Gila National Forest in New Mexico were closed June 23 and June 28, respectively, due to a current wild fire and potential for other wild fires. Project personnel are still able to track the wolves on a regular basis via fixed wing aircraft and have also been granted permission to bring supplemental food to the newly released Bluestem pack.
CAPTIVE MANAGEMENT
On June 21 two litters of pups at Sevilleta, including the seven Pipestem pups, were captured and given a general health check and routine vaccinations. All pups from both litters were in excellent condition.
COMMUNICATION AND COORDINATION
Brian Kelly, along with the USFWS Assistant Regional Director for Ecological Services, Bryan Arroyo and the USFWS Regional Director, Dale Hall met with Richard Remington, Terry Johnson, Bill Van Pelt, and Duane Schroufe of the AZGF in Phoenix on June 26 to discuss program coordination, collabortion, and organization between the agencies.
INCIDENTS
On June 21, Bluestem F637 was observed walking down a road in the Big Lake Campground. Project personnel hazed her from the area and she did not return to the campground.
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JULY 2002
July 1 - 15, 2002
WOLF PACK NEWS N
Bluestem Pack (AM507, AF521, F637, M639, m754, m755, m756, f757, f758): Arizona F637 dispersed from the pack shortly after release and traveled to the White River area on the White Mountain Apache
Reservation. On July 15, project personnel captured her in a leg-hold trap and removed her from the wild due to inappropriate behavior. She was returned to Sevilleta the next morning. The remainder of the pack are still together and have localized near the Fish Bench release site. Area closures are in effect to protect the release site.
Saddle Pack (AM574, AF510, F646): Arizona The alpha pair and F646 have been located in the vicinity of Hoodoo Knoll. Area closures are in effect to protect the den site.
Hawks Nest Pack (AM619, AF486): Arizona The pair has been spending most of their time in the Campbell Blue drainage. This is the only pack that is not believed to be denning.
Bonito Creek Pack (AM674, AF587): Arizona The pair has been using the areas around Hurricane and Reservation Lakes. Area closures are in effect to protect the den site.
Cienega Pack (AM194, AF487, F621): Arizona, New Mexico The pair continues to use the areas considered to be their summer range around Hannagan Meadow. Area closures are in effect to protect the den site. Yearling F621 remains in New Mexico and has been located in the vicinity of Mogollon Baldy Lookout.
Francisco Pack (AM509, AF511, F644): Arizona The trio continue to travel together and have been located northeast of Malay Tank.
Pipestem Pack (AM190, AF628): New Mexico The pack remains in captivity at the Sevilleta wolf facility; genetic results on the parentage of the pups are still pending.
Gapiwi Pack (AM584, AF624): New Mexico The pair is in the Gila Wilderness and continue to be located in the vicinity of Lilley Park.
Luna Pack (AM583, AF562): New Mexico The pair continues to use the areas around McKenna Park and White Creek Cabin in the Gila Wilderness.
SEASONAL NEWS
The forest closures for the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest and Gila National Forest were lifted on July 13 and 15, respectively, due to the onset of the monsoon season. Project personnel have resumed ground monitoring of the wolves.
July 16 - 31, 2002
WOLF PACK NEWS
Bluestem Pack (AM507, AF521, M639, m754, m755, m756, f757, f758): Arizona The alpha pair and M639 have remained together and localized near the Fish Bench release site. On July 16, all three of the adults and two pups were observed by Arizona Game and Fish personnel. They were bedded down near supplemental food that had been placed for them a few days earlier. On July 31 project personnel heard the pack howling, indicating at least two pups were still with the pack. Project personnel continue to supplemental feed the pack.
Saddle Pack (AM574, AF510, F646): Arizona The pack has been located in the vicinity of Conklin Creek and Fish Creek. They have also been using several drainages in the area as travel corridors. Area closures to protect the den site were lifted July 30.
Hawks Nest Pack (AM619, AF486): Arizona The pair has been spending much of their time in the Campbell Blue drainages and Coyote Creek. They have also been located near Sierra Blanca Lake.
Bonito Creek Pack (AM674, AF587): Arizona The pair continues to use the areas around Hurricane and Reservation Lakes.
Cienega Pack (AM194, AF487, F621): Arizona, New Mexico The pair continues to use areas around Hannigan Meadow including Ackre Lake and Grant Creek. Area closures to protect the den site were lifted July 30. Yearling F621 remains in New Mexico and recently has been located near Whitewater Baldy.
Francisco Pack (AM509, AF511, F644): Arizona The alpha pair and F644 have been located together in the vicinity of Malay Gap. Occasionally F644 is located separately from the alpha pair.
Pipestem Pack (AM190, AF628): New Mexico The pack remains in captivity at the Sevilleta wolf facility. Genetic results on the pups parentage are still pending.
Gapiwi Pack (AM584, AF624): New Mexico The pair is still localized around the presumed den site near Lilley Park in the Gila Wilderness. Project personnel have ceased providing supplemental feed to the pair.
Luna Pack (AM583, AF562): New Mexico The pair is still localized around the presumed den site in the areas of McKenna Park and White Creek Cabin in the Gila Wilderness. Project personnel have ceased providing supplemental feed to them.
SEASONAL NEWS
The packs are beginning to move away from their suspected den sites presumably because the pups are now weaned and able to travel with the adults. Seven of the eight free-ranging packs are believed to have had pups this year. Numbers of pups surviving to each of the packs is unknown at this time.....Project personnel have begun trapping efforts for un-collared wolves in order to document wild born wolves. On July 28, what we believe to be Mexican wolf was caught in a leg-hold trap in the Robinson Mesa area in Arizona. The animal was a male, approximately 1 - 2 years old and weighed 58 pounds. He was fitted with a radio-collar, vaccinated, and released on site. Although pack affiliation is currently unknown, project personnel believe him to be a member of the Francisco Pack, as he is now traveling with the pack. Blood was taken from the animal and genetic tests are being run to determine his pack affiliation.
CAPTIVE MANAGEMENT
Members of the Field Team administered preventative vaccines to two litters of captive pups at the Sevilleta wolf facility on July 16.....The Mexican Wolf Species Survial Plan (SSP) group held its annual meeting in San Diego, CA July 25 - 28 to discuss captive management issues and plan for pairings and transfers of wolves in the United States and Mexico. Over 40 facilities from the two countries were represented. The meeting was hosted by the California Wolf Center (CWC) ( www.californiawolfcenter.org.). Project personnel in attendance included Brian Kelly, Colleen Buchanan, Maggie Dwire, and Melissa Woolf.....On July 30, a fire tragically killed four genetically valuable Mexican wolves at the CWC. The CWC is one of 44 facilities in the United States and Mexico that participates in the captive breeding and holding of Mexican wolves as part of the Mexican Wolf SSP. The wolves were from a pack of 8 animals. The alpha female along with three pups of the year were killed. The alpha male and three more pups survived by escaping into a concrete den. The loss represents a significant blow to the captive population as they were valuable members of the Mexican wolf recovery effort. The CWC is soliciting donations to help rebuild the affected facilities.
INCIDENTS
On July 14 project personnel received a report of an un-collared wolf harassing a mare and mule colt in a corral in Eagle Creek, AZ. Another animal was reported howling in the distance at the time of the incident. Traps were set in attempt to capture the animal(s) but none were trapped. Canid tracks (some coyote size and some larger tracks) were found in the vicinity; however, project personnel were unable to confirm whether a wolf was responsible for the incident. Injuries to the mule colt included some scrapes and scratches on its nose and behind its right eye.
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August 2002
August 1 - 15, 2002
WOLF PACK NEWS
Bluestem Pack (AM507, AF521, M639, m754, m755, m756, f757, f758): Arizona The members of the Bluestem pack are establishing a territory in the area of Beaver Creek and Bear Creek. Several locations of M639 have been separate from the alpha pair. Project personnel have begun intensive monitoring and hazing efforts to deter the wolves from the Beaver Creak Lodge property (see Incident section). Project personnel continue to provide supplemental feed to the pack.
Saddle Pack (AM574, AF510, F646): Arizona The pack has been located around the Black River, the northwest side of the Bear Wallow wilderness, and Strayhorse. F646 has been making occasional movements on her own and has been located south of Malay Gap near Dry Prong.
Hawks Nest Pack (AM619, AF486): Arizona The pair continues to spend much of their time in the Campbell Blue drainages and Coyote Creek. Project personnel received a sighting report of three pups crossing a road within the Hawks Nest pack=s territory. This is the only pair suspected not to have had pups this year so this sighting could be significant if accurate.
Bonito Creek Pack (AM674, AF587): Arizona The pair continues to use the areas near Hurricane and Reservation Lakes.
Cienega Pack (AM194, AF487, F621): Arizona, New Mexico The alpha pair continues to use the area east of Hannagan Meadow. Yearling F621 remains in New Mexico and has been located near Corner Mountain, Whitewater Baldy, and Jack Ass Park.
Francisco Pack (AM509, AF511, F644, M794): Arizona The pack has been located just north of the Black River on the White Mountain Apache Reservation., the northeast side of the Bear Wallow wilderness, and south of Malay Gap. Genetic test results from recently captured M794 confirmed he is a wild-born wolf to the alpha pair in 2001. On August 15, a depredation incident occurred on the Four Drag Ranch in which members of the Francisco Pack were likely responsible. (see Incident section).
Pipestem Pack (AM190, AF628): New Mexico The pack remains in captivity at the Sevilleta wolf facility. Genetic test results on the pup=s parentage are still pending
Gapiwi Pack (AM584, AF624): New Mexico The pair has been located in the vicinity of Prior Cabin and Yellow Mountain in the Gila Wilderness.
Luna Pack (AM583, AF562): New Mexico The pair continues to localize in the vicinity of McKenna Park and White Creek Cabin in the Gila Wilderness.
SEASONAL NEWS
Numbers of pups surviving to each of the packs is unknown at this time. Project personnel are actively attempting to locate the now abandoned den sites to gather data on den site characteristics and possibly, pup mortality. On August 5, the Saddle Pack den site was located. Attempts to locate the Cienega den site August 15 - 16 had limited results and no den site was confirmed.....Project personnel are continuing trapping efforts for un-collared wolves in order to document wild-born wolves.....Archery bear season begins August 23 B October 7 in Unit 1 (north of Alpine, AZ and west to Vernon, AZ) of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. Hunters in wolf recovery areas are advised to restrain their dogs and keep them near campsites to help prevent wolf/dog altercations.
CAPTIVE MANAGEMENT
On August 5, Colleen Buchanan, Maggie Dwire, and Melissa Woolf inspected a prospective new captive wolf facility, Wildlife West Nature Park in Edgewood, NM. The facility has since been approved and will house Mexican wolves in the near future as part of the Species Survival Plan captive breeding program. Members of the Field Team administered preventative vaccines to two litters (12 pups total) of captive pups at the Sevilleta wolf facility on August 6.
INCIDENTS
Project personnel initiated intensive monitoring efforts of the Bluestem pack on August 6 after receiving reports that the wolves were interacting with dogs on the Beaver Creek Lodge property. Efforts have been made to haze and prevent the wolves from approaching the area. On August 15, Bluestem Pack member M639 came into the vicinity of the Lodge, setting off a Radio Activated Guard box, also called a RAG box. The device emits a variety of loud sounds and strobe lights and is triggered by the wolves' radio collar frequency. The RAG box was placed by project personnel in an attempt to deter wolves from entering the property.
On August 15, project personnel received a depredation incident report regarding two calves in the Dry Prong area southeast of Malay Gap in Arizona. The rancher reported witnessing a wolf attacking one of his calves and finding another calf with 2 - 3 day old wounds. Wildlife Services personnel responded to the situation and confirmed wolves were responsible for the depredations. The incidents resulted in one of the calves dying. At the time of the incident, Francisco Pack members were located by project personnel in the area; however, it is not known which of the pack members were involved. Efforts are being made to deter the wolves from the area, to document additional depredations if they occur, and to identify individual wolves responsible for the depredations. Defenders of Wildlife has been notified and the rancher will be compensated.
August 16 - 31, 2002
WOLF PACK NEWS
Bluestem Pack (AM507, AF521, M639, m754, m755, m756, f757, f758): Arizona The members of the Bluestem pack are establishing a territory in the area of Beaver Creek and Bear Creek. On occasion M639 continues to travel separately from the alpha pair. On August 21, the Bluestem pack was likely involved in a depredation (see Incident section). Project personnel continue intensive monitoring and hazing efforts to deter the wolves from the Beaver Creek Lodge property (see Incident section). Project personnel have ceased providing supplemental feed to the pack.
Saddle Pack (AM574, AF510, F646): Arizona The pack has recently been located in the vicinity of Blue Vista and KP Cienega Campground. They have also been using areas near Hoodoo Knoll and the West Fork Campground.
Hawks Nest Pack (AM619, AF486): Arizona The pair continues to spend much of their time in the Campbell Blue and Coyote Creek drainages. They also spent some time in the Crosby Crossing area and near Sierra Blanca Lake. More recently, they have been located near Half Moon/Elk Wallow Lakes as well as Josh Tank at the southern end of their territory.
Bonito Creek Pack (AM674, AF587): Arizona The pair continues to use the areas near Hurricane and Reservation Lakes. On August 23, project personnel located the den site. The den was found in an area of exposed rock with many large boulders leaning and stacked against each other. Several small dugouts were found with wolf hair in them that could have been used for whelping.
Cienega Pack (AM194, AF487, F621): Arizona, New Mexico The alpha pair continues to use the area northeast of Hannagan Meadow and have been located on occasion in the vicinity of Willow Creek, Horseshoe Cienega, and east of Clell Spring. On August 18, campers observed two wolves in an area of the Cienega pack territory chasing an elk in a meadow at 1:00am, and later in the morning saw at least one pup but possibly two playing/digging in gopher holes. On August 31, AF487 was captured in a trap set to capture any un-collared wolves traveling with the pair (i.e. wild- born pups born to the pair in 2001 or 2002). She was given a complete exam, fitted with a new radio collar, and released on-site. She was in good condition. Yearling F621 remains in New Mexico and has recently been located near Cub Mountain and Turkey Feather Pass in the Gila Wilderness.
Francisco Pack (AM509, AF511, F644, m794): Arizona The pack was located in the Dry Pong area on the San Carlos Reservation and recently has been located as far north as Snake Creek and as far south as Bear Wallow Creek in the Bear Wallow Wilderness in the Apache National Forest. Project personnel continue to monitor the Four Drag Ranch area for possible depredation incidents and to capture un-collared wolves. On August 30, Wildlife Services personnel observed two wolf pups at a tank east of Malay gap and again, on August 31observed one pup coming to the same tank while monitoring the Four Drag Ranch. It is uncertain whether this pup was one of the same pups seen the previous day. The pups appeared to be in good physical condition and were estimated to weigh approximately 30 - 35 pounds which would be consistent for pups of approximately four months old. Pipestem Pack (AM190, AF628): New Mexico The pack remains in captivity at the Sevilleta wolf facility. Genetic test results on the pup=s parentage are still pending
Gapiwi Pack (AM584, AF624): New Mexico The pair has been located in the vicinity of Prior Cabin and Hells Hole in the Gila Wilderness.
Luna Pack (AM583, AF562): New Mexico The pair continues to localize in the vicinity of McKenna Park and White Creek Cabin in the Gila Wilderness. They have also been located near Langstroth Canyon.
INCIDENTS
On August 21, project personnel found a dead calf near the junction of the 24/26 Roads in the Apache National Forest. Wildlife Services personnel were notified and responded to the situation and confirmed wolves were responsible for the depredation. The Bluestem Pack had been located in the area and the alpha pair approached the carcass during the investigation. The owner of the calf and Defenders of Wildlife were notified of the depredation.....Project personnel continue intensive monitoring efforts of the Bluestem pack to prevent possible depredations in the Bear Creek pasture. Efforts are also being made to haze and prevent the wolves from approaching the Beaver Creek area. Two Radio Activated Guard (RAG) boxes are still in place on the property in an attempt to deter wolves from entering the property.
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