The Kendrick Peak pack of Mexican wolves has been roaming a recovery area near the Grand Canyon since June and is protected against trapping and any other harm to them. The pack has a following from Northern Arizona locals, and the city of Flagstaff fully supports recovery efforts in the area.
The Mexican Wolf Experimental Population Area has been aiding the steady increase in Mexican wolves since their numbers dwindled in the 1970s.
Straying From Their Pack
Two individuals strayed from their pack, heading north of Interstate 40. One was named Hope, while the other was named Mystery. Hope had been found in July roaming outside the repopulation area. She was sedated before being given a GPS tracker and letting her go as seen in the above photo.
The two Mexican wolves were last seen together on November 7th, when Hope was found deceased. Conservation groups are demanding justice, as Mexican wolves are an endangered and protected species. Their population has only increased after more than fifty years of conservation efforts.
No Statement Yet
No statement has been released as to what the cause of death was, but conservation group Western Watersheds Project recognized the wolf and posted the following on Facebook:
“This was Hope when she was collared in July 2024, in photos WWP received from a public records request. We don’t yet know how Hope was killed, but if someone shot her, they must have known she wasn’t a coyote. (And even if she wasn’t collared, you aren’t supposed to shoot without knowing the identity of your target.)”
A Sentient Individual
Grand Canyon Wolf Recovery Project’s executive director, Claire Musser, said about Hope, “Hope was a sentient individual being and a messenger of the changes needed in the Mexican gray wolf recovery program.”
The Weight Of The Law
Arizona and New Mexico director at Western Watersheds Project, Cynthia 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.”
Potential For Suitable Habitat Past The Recovery Area
Musser went on to explain that Hope leaving her pack and wandering further North outside of the recovery area only proved that there was the potential for suitable wolf habitat in Northern Arizona. Various organizations are offering a reward for information on what happened to the wolf.
Offering A Reward
Conservation groups like Western Watersheds Project aren’t the only ones that want justice. As investigations open, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering a fifty-thousand dollar reward for any leads on who could be responsible for the wolf’s death. The Arizona Game and Fish Department and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish collectively offer another two thousand dollars.
Others Chipping In
As individuals rally to show their support, external organizations, and citizens have pooled together $50,500 for information to determine who could be responsible for what happened.
The Sentence For The Crime
It is clear that Killing a Mexican wolf is in direct violation of the Federal Endangered Species Act. It has several repercussions, such as a year in jail, a fifty-thousand dollar fine, or seizure of anything used in the crime, such as the gun used. Any relevant information can be given to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service special agents in Arizona – their number is (346) 254-0515.
Source:
Conservation groups demand justice after Mexican wolf near Flagstaff found dead
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