On March 20, 2013 the Arizona Game and Fish Commission voted to support a letter written by Senators Hatch (R-Utah) and Lummis (R-Wyo), a decision that could prove devastating for the recovery of the critically endangered Mexican gray wolf (Canis lupus baileyi). In a unanimous decision, the commission voted to back the effort by these Western lawmakers to strip federal protections for gray wolves nationwide. It is feared this move would include the rarest and most genetically distinct subspecies of gray wolf in North America, the lobo.

Fifteen years ago today on March 29, 1998, eleven captive-reared Mexican gray wolves were released to the wild for the first time in the Blue Range Recovery Area of Arizona and New Mexico. Missing from the landscape for more than 30 years, the howl of the rarest and most unique subspecies of gray wolf, was once again greeted by the mountains of the southwest. In honor of this milepost in lobo recovery, we’re asking supporters to list 15 reasons why the lobo should remain protected. Nine-year-old Molly (and her four dogs – Magic, Hope, Herman, and Maria) sent this compelling video to us! Please send your list with a photo to maggie@nywolf.org and so we can share yours too! We also encourage supporters to send their Lobo Lists to their U.S. representative. Not sure of your congressional district or who your member is? Visit http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/ to determine your congressional district and your member’s website and contact page.