Take Action: More releases of captive wolves needed to save Mexican Wolf Recovery Program
Since the Mexican Wolf Recovery Program got started in 1998, the wolves have done a great job of forming packs, raising pups, and hunting deer and elk. Although the population grew steadily in the first ten years, since 2007 the number of wolves has hovered at around only 50.
They need our help. Releasing more captive adult wolves is critically needed to provide mates for lone adult wolves living in the wild.
The perfect match could be out there waiting in captive breeding programs. But they, and we, will never find out unless the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) releases more captive wolves into the wild.
To help make this happen, please contact the USFWS and ask them to expedite more releases of wolves into the wilds of Arizona and New Mexico.
Here are the true stories of two wild wolves ready to do their part for recovery of the species:
Lonesome Howler, aka Morgart’s Pack Male 1155
Handsome, youthful widower, Arizona-born, is ready to move on. Seeking furry female to settle down and den. Must enjoy chasing elk, digging dens, and romping in the moonlight. Howl back if you’re willing. Follow me on Twitter!
M1155 was born in April 2008 to the Hawk’s Nest Pack in Arizona. As a healthy two year old, M1155 struck out on his own, most likely looking for territory where he could start his own pack. He wound up in the Gila National Forest in New Mexico. In February 2010 he hooked up with F1106, a female born to the Aspen Pack of New Mexico. Unfortunately, F1106 was found dead in October 2010. The two wolves had not mated successfully and M1155 struck out on his own once again.
M1155 roamed alone until January 2011 when a field team of wildlife biologists captured and moved him as part of an effort to hook him up with another female wolf, F1105, who is a littermate of the female who died the previous October.
A few days later the biologists released F1105 in the same area as M1155. Unfortunately, there wasn’t any chemistry between the two wolves. They went their separate ways and “Lonesome Howler” is still looking for his match.
Looking for Lobo Love, aka Aspen Pack Female 1105
Eligible female, born in New Mexico, is ready to find the right match. Seeking healthy male to form a new pack. Must enjoy playing with pups and teaching them how to hunt. Follow me on Twitter!
F1105 was born in the wild to the Aspen Pack in April 2007. She was captured with the rest of the pack when the wolves were removed from the wild in December 2007. Federal wildlife officials had determined that livestock in the area were at risk of depredation.
She remained in captivity until she was released near Morgart’s Pack and Lonesome Howler (M1155) in January 2010. The field team tried but failed to recapture her again after she failed to mate with M1155. She kept roaming in the Gila National Forest where she remains today, still searching for a mate.
You can help these and other lonely lobos in the wild find mates and have pups by contacting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Image credits from top to bottom:
Mexican wolf family — photo courtesy of the Endangered Wolf Center
Lonesome Howler – artwork by Jennifer Patterson
Looking for Lobo Love- artwork by Elaine Givens
