Lobos of the Southwest is leading a nine-week campaign to encourage the USFWS to re-release into the wild nine wolves recaptured as young pups when their packs were removed for depredations between 2005 and 2007 under the now-discredited SOP 13.0 program. The nine wild-born wolves are still in captivity today and they are physically, genetically, and temperamentally suitable for release. These wolves are all eligible for re-release in New Mexico, where the majority the recovery area is located.

M1051: Re-release Candidate of the Week!
Saddle pack M1051 and his brothers as pups, a few months after their removal from the wild in 2007. Their father, Saddle pack alpha male AM732, known as “Bob” because of his bobbed tail, is shown with the puppies. Photo courtesy of USFWS.

With fewer than 40 Mexican wolves, excluding pups, still in the wild, it’s time for the Fish and Wildlife Service to re-release M1051, this week’s re-release candidate. A brother of M1049 and M1050, M1051 was a tiny pup when removed from the Saddle pack den in 2007. He had no part in killing livestock and is eligible for release in New Mexico.

If you think M1051 should be placed back in the wild, Lobos of the Southwest is making easy for you to speak up! Simply copy and paste the message below into an email addressed to Director Benjamin Tuggle at RDTuggle@fws.gov. Add a simple sentence or two of your own and please add your name and address at the end. Remember, too, that polite requests are more effective.

Dear Dr. Tuggle,
I am alarmed at how few Mexican gray wolves remain in the wild and I know that there are wild-born wolves in captivity that are eligible for New Mexico releases. Please re-release former Saddle pup M1051 in New Mexico. He has been in captivity long enough; it’s time for him to be a free, wild wolf again.
Thank you,
your name

Check back here or Lobos of the Southwest next week for the next re-release candidate of the week. Thanks for your help!