Contributed/provided by: AZGFD

PHOENIX — On Nov. 7, a federally protected Mexican wolf was found dead northwest of Flagstaff, Arizona. Female Mexican wolf 2979 (F2979) was found dead near Forest Service Road 2058 and East Spring Valley Road. This case remains under investigation and there is a reward of up to $103,500 for information leading to prosecution in this case. No additional details regarding the cause of death have been shared at this time, except that the death is not related to any agency control actions.

Mexican wolf F2979 was first recorded outside of the Mexican Wolf Experimental Population Area (MWEPA) north of Interstate 40 near Flagstaff in early summer 2024. She was captured, fitted with a GPS collar, and released back into the wild in July. DNA analysis revealed that she was separated from MWEPA’s Tu Dil Hill population. F2979 was seen traveling with another Mexican wolf in the area, and efforts to capture and transport the pair to MWEPA began in October. These efforts were continuing when F2979 was found dead. The fate of the other Mexican wolf seen on F2979 is unknown.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering a reward of up to $50,000, the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Operation Game Thief is offering a reward of up to $1,000, and the New Mexico Game and Fish Department is offering a reward of up to $1,000. We provide. Seeking information leading to the conviction of the individuals responsible for the death of the Mexican wolf. Various non-governmental organizations and individuals have pledged additional funding for up to $51,500 in total awards, depending on the information provided.

If you have information about individuals in the area where wolves have been found, or have information that you think may be helpful, please contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Special Agent in Pinetop, Arizona, at (346) 254-0515. please. Killing a Mexican wolf is a violation of state and federal endangered species laws and can result in criminal penalties of up to $50,000 and/or imprisonment of up to one year, and/or civil penalties of up to $25,000.