Mexican gray wolf found dead near Flagstaff; $100,000 reward offered

A reward of more than $100,000 is being offered for information leading to a prosecution in the possible murder of a Mexican gray wolf.

On November 7, a federally protected female Mexican gray wolf was found dead near Forest Service Road 2058 and East Spring Valley Road northwest of Flagstaff.

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service said the wolf, known as F2979, was first documented this summer north of Interstate 40, outside the Mexican Wolf Experimental Population Area. She was captured and fitted with a GPS collar. After DNA was collected for analysis, she was released in July.

She was later seen traveling with another Mexican gray wolf in the area, and efforts were made to relocate the pair back to the experimental population area, according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. These efforts were underway when F2979 was found dead, and the fate of the other Mexican gray wolf seen with her is unknown.

In a statement, the Fish & Wildlife Service said it is co-funding the hefty reward with the Arizona Game & Fish Department, New Mexico Game & Fish and “a variety of non-governmental organizations and private individuals.”

The cause of death of Mexican wolf F2979 has not been released, but the Fish & Wildlife Service said it was not related to actions by agency management.

“Killing a Mexican wolf is a violation of state law and the Federal Endangered Species Act and may result in criminal fines up to $50,000, and/or not more than one year in prison, and/or a civil fine up to $25,000,” it said. the US Fish & Wildlife Service.

Anyone with information is urged to call U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Special Agents in Pinetop at 346-254-0515.