Mexican gray wolf found dead near Flagstaff; A reward of $100,000 is being offered

A reward of more than $100,000 is being offered for information leading to the prosecution of the possible killing of a Mexican gray wolf.

On Nov. 7, a federally protected female Mexican gray wolf was found dead near Forest Service Road 2058 and East Spring Valley Road northwest of Flagstaff.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said the wolf, known as F2979, was first documented this summer north of Interstate 40, outside the Mexican Wolf Experimental Population Area. She was captured and fitted with a GPS collar. After collecting DNA for analysis, she was released in July.

She was later seen traveling with another Mexican gray wolf in the area, and efforts were made to relocate the pair back to the experimental population area, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These efforts were ongoing when F2979 was found dead, and the fate of the other Mexican gray wolf seen with her is unknown.

In a statement, the Fish & Wildlife Service said it is funding the substantial reward along with the Arizona Game and Fish Department, New Mexico Game & Fish and “various non-governmental organizations and individuals.”

The cause of death of Mexican wolf F2979 has not been released, but the Fish and Wildlife Service said it was not related to the actions of agency management.

“Killing a Mexican wolf is a violation of state and federal Endangered Species Act and may result in a criminal penalty of up to $50,000 and/or imprisonment of not more than one year and/or a civil penalty of up to $25,000 . ” according to the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

Anyone with information is asked to call US Fish and Wildlife Service special agents in Pinetop at 346-254-0515.