Current Status of Reintroduced Mexican Wolves

The final environmental impact statement for the reintroduction of Mexican wolves predicted that by the 6th year of the program, there would be 101 wild wolves, and 18 breeding pairs. Instead, by early 2008, (year 10), we had only 52 wild wolves total, and only 4 breeding pairs. This is a 43% decrease in breeding pairs since 2007, and a 12% decrease in the population overall.

Almost 100 captive bred Mexican wolves have been released, and the wolves are doing their part – forming packs, killing elk, pairing up and raising pups.  So why is the population so low?

There are two primary reasons the population is struggling, both linked to strong local opposition to the reintroduction project. The first is illegal killing of wolves – at least 24 wolves have been shot.   The second is over-management and removal of wolves by the agencies charged with overseeing their recovery. In 2007 alone, 19 wolves had been permanently removed (killed or permanently sent back to captivity) for killing cattle.

While we support the prompt removal of problem wolves, current management of the reintroduced population goes too far – limiting where the wolves can establish territories, removing too many, and working without the guidance of a scientific recovery plan.

Given the perilously low numbers of Mexican wolves now left in the wild, Defenders of Wildlife believes that the killing or permanent removal of any more wolves should be a last resort. Defenders is calling on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to increase its use of alternative approaches to wolf management, including proactive techniques to reduce conflicts between wolves and livestock, such as using special fencing, relocating livestock during denning season and hazing wolves away from livestock.

Defenders has recently hired a full-time field staffer whose sole responsibility will be to work proactively with ranchers and communities to prevent conflicts with wolves through projects like fencing, guard dogs, herders and livestock relocation.

Read our November 2007 fact sheet with our next steps for the Mexican Wolf recovery.