The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) just released its annual Mexican gray wolf population count – only 114 wild lobos remain in Arizona and New Mexico. The critically endangered population experienced a net increase of ONE WOLF since a count of 113 lobos was recorded in 2017.

The slight population growth has been tempered by illegal killings and removals throughout 2017. 12 Mexican gray wolves died of unknown causes and USFWS, the very agency tasked with recovering this critically endangered species, killed one wolf last year.

“Despite the efforts of state and federal agencies and some in the livestock industry to limit their recovery, these highly endangered wolves persist,” said Sandy Bahr, chapter director for Sierra Club’s Grand Canyon Chapter. “Persisting is not enough, however, we need wolves to thrive in order to have a truly recovered animal. That means more wolves in more places, including Grand Canyon, and connected populations.”

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