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Stories of Wolves-The Lobo Returns is actually the title of a documentary film to be shown Sunday April 24 in Light Hall at 6pm. It could also be my title since I haven't written about them since 2014. I was sure they were here to stay but after 2015 I am a bit concerned.
In 2014 the minimum Lobo count was 110, the pup survival rate was healthy at 20% above 2013, all signs pointed to a robust recovery for our small wolf. Then the 2016 count showed a decline even though the 2015 pup recruitment was very good and two wolves were added from the large captive population.
Yes, 2015 was a very bad year for the Lobo. Two dozen of them died. I'm sure many illegally shot with that same old 12 gauge. The overall minimum population estimate for the wolf in 2015 was 97.
In January 2016 F1295 and F1340 both died during the annual population count and capture operation. That's right, the IFT killed two Lobo's during the year end count. Bad darts?
In February 2016, AF1280 from the Hawks Nest Pack was located dead in Arizona. It appears 2016 will be on track for another record breaking year of Lobo deaths.
So I will be back to try and help them once again. Let's start with a very good documentary about our local wolves.
Elke Deurr's documentary film was produced within the Blue Range Recovery Area. She lived in Catron County. She interviewed local cattle growers as well as leaders of environmental organizations involved in this recovery program. She does not take sides. This film includes more footage of our local wolves than has ever before been seen.
Please join us Sunday April 24, 6:pm in Light Hall for Stories of Wolves-The Lobo Returns. Elke will be on hand to answer questions afterward.
A suggested $10.00 donation will help us pay for the hall rental.

Nancy, very glad to see your return regarding the Mexican Gray Wolf. Very sad at the latest news. It simply horrifies me and there seems to be nothing that can be done.

Thank good Ted Turner had been giving wolves a place, though the State of New Mexico did not renew his license after 17 years!

Ann McMahon
www.AnnMcMahon.com
Silver City, NM

Thanks for the response. I think there is something we can do, vote, vote blue. We need a new governor. When Bill was governor he supported the reintroduction of our Lobo. Since the governor appoints the game commission Mr Turner's ranch has a better chance to help the wolf with the Dems in charge.