Mexican wolves lethally removed in AZ, NM

WLJ May. 02, 2025 1 minute read 17 comments

Mexican wolves lethally removed in AZ, NM — Mexican gray wolf
USDA APHIS

A federal wildlife agency mistakenly killed a potentially pregnant, endangered Mexican gray wolf in Arizona’s Greenlee County, according to a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service memo.

The lethal removal was intended for an uncollared member of the Bear Canyon Pack following repeated livestock attacks on public land. However, the wolf killed was AF1823, the breeding female with a non-functioning radio collar.

Days later, the agency also confirmed the intentional killing of a breeding male from the Hail Canyon Pack in New Mexico. This male, father to at least three pups, was targeted under another removal order.

Conservationists condemned the actions, citing a pattern of poor oversight. “It’s clear federal agencies have lost their way,” said Brian Nowicki of the Center for Biological Diversity, urging protection of endangered wildlife on public lands.

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17 Comments

John Leverton
May 6, 2025
I’m grateful for the removal of these wolves I live in Northeastern, Arizona close to the Arizona New Mexico border, and I have friends who are ranchers who have been greatly affected by these wolves, killing their livestock and endangering their families. I feel that these wolves are out of control and need to be Lethally dealt with and removed. I also feel that our pioneering families got rid of the wolf for a reason and it was great wisdom on their part in doing so.
Reply to John Leverton
1. Karen
  May 8, 2025
  Wolves do not endanger people. Humans have encroached on THEIR territory. We need wolves to maintain a balance of nature. Too many humans is the problem. I do not support the slaughter of ranch animals.
  Reply to Karen
Laura Schbeberger
May 6, 2025
wondering why western livestock journal is using a cbd press release on this subject?
Reply to Laura Schbeberger
Iris
May 6, 2025
If they are killing cattle they need to be removed and it isn't that big of a deal....booo
Reply to Iris
James (Jim) Sherrard
May 6, 2025
You can say the wolves were DOGED under the new administration's "Endangerment rules". I hate to see accidents like this that result in the death of a protected species. Dead or low-collar batteries should be a common thing; better reminders in the brief before they head to the field
Reply to James (Jim) Sherrard
1. Crhis Miller
  May 6, 2025
  Obviously the thoughform attracted to play God with the life for these endangered species is "sniffing glue" folks; an d when i say the federal agent that decided to terminate this rare creatures life with a bullet hole to his head is "sniffing glue". That means hes probably watching FOX News religiously! He believes in White Christain Nantionalism and would eventually reinstating "Chattel Slavery: for Negroes! He whole heartedly professess to believe JDT is the second coming of Christ and drinks crap beer like COORS lite religiously. He's is adamnet about devouring 3 to four helpings of beef steak foods once if not twice a day and wouldlike to see woman defrocked of their voting rights ASAP> a true high country BIGOT
  Reply to Crhis Miller
Unanimous
May 6, 2025
Brian Nowicki has obviously not been hungry in a very long time if his allegiance lies with a predator that is killing livestock intended for food. In the time of drought and low cattle numbers and reduced meat supply, we should be protecting our livestock, not a predator that does nothing for diversity.
Reply to Unanimous
Sheila
May 6, 2025
Poor wolfs but what about damage done to live stock and the thousands of dollars and years ranchers have spent to better their herd to with stand the harsh conditions of az and NM
Reply to Sheila
Rod jones
May 6, 2025
Poor oversight, hold people and their agency accountable. Some people need to be spanked hard
Reply to Rod jones
L
May 6, 2025
Destroying and using any excuse of a faulty collar isn't good enough The govt is hell bent on the desecration of every single wild animal that isn't producing a profit through slaughter of other ranch raised livestock Figure it out - your barbaric ways are unfathomable and not surprising. Archaic - when wild animals are dying by the thousands and species being wiped out you morons
Reply to L
1. Mike Bobbitt
  May 9, 2025
  The Federal government are the ones that put these wonderful creatures out there to dine on livestock. Having worked in predator control for years I can tell you that coyotes are extremely destructive. I only encountered 2 of these Mexican wolves and they were just passing through. But was told many yrs ago that worked on them down in Central Mexico that they will pull down yearlings and grown cows where coyotes only kill calves, sheep and goats as well as other small animals. They have also killed small children. It's not Disneyland out thout
  Reply to Mike Bobbitt
Robert Teel
May 7, 2025
It’s about time the federal government started managing these killer wolves. Now they should start paying livestock owners for their losses instead of a 25% like they have been doing, plus do away with the bureaucracy surrounding the slaughter of livestock and pets like they promised. Do away with the government agencies milking this ideological nonsense and turn it over to the States game and fish for management.
Reply to Robert Teel
Eileen Coronado
May 7, 2025
These wolves are killing livestock and pets. If you cannot relocate them far enough away from civilization, they need to be removed lethargy. I love all animals but wolves are killers that kill for the fun of it. Ranchers and owners cannot sustain the impact they make on their livestock.
Reply to Eileen Coronado
James BALLOW
May 7, 2025
We almost killed them off for a reason. Killing livestock was the main reason. It's our ranchers livelihood. And we need our American ranchers more than wolves. I say we had it right the first time. Why is everyone hell bent on finding out for a second time.?
Reply to James BALLOW
Randy Hughes
May 7, 2025
I would encourage everyone to purchase the book, "The Real Wolf," by Ted B. Lyon & Will N. Graves, and read it. Full of documented research on what a disaster the introduction of wolves has become. "Everything you need to learn about the truth concerning wolves can be found in "The Real Wolf," which is destined to be the encyclopedia of wolf facts, .. " a quote from Tom Remington, Author, Writer, Researcher. The Real Wolf, ISBN 978-1-59152-122-8. Go to YouTube and search for a speech delivered by Ted B. Lyon - The Real Wolf, the speech itself is a real eye opener.
Reply to Randy Hughes
Mark Rodgers
May 7, 2025
First they play God, then when they have clearly failed, they play God again and are surprised when they fail yet again. The behavior isn’t alarming, it’s the pattern that is beyond comprehension.
Reply to Mark Rodgers
Cindy
May 28, 2025
Why does WLJ refer to Center for Biological Diversity as “conservationists?” What conservation has CBD ever achieved? It’s only succeeded in progressively uprooting natural resource producers from their properties, livelihoods and heritage through relentless lies and taxpayer-funded lawfare. WLJ ought to know better.
Reply to Cindy