New Plan Expands Territory For Endangered Mexican Wolf
The endangered Mexican gray wolf would have a far greater territory to roam under new rules proposed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It's the first proposed expansion since the agency began introducing wolves into the wild.
The designated habitat for Mexican wolves under the current federal recovery plan is limited to national forest straddling Arizona and New Mexico. The proposal released this month would expand that territory to the California and Texas borders and from Interstate 40 south to Mexico.
"We need more room, more geographic area for this population to grow," said Tracy Melbihess with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The agency argues the current boundaries allow for little genetic variability among wolves. There are now 83 wolves living in the recovery area, most born in the wild. The public has until September 23rd to comment on the new plan.
There will also be two public meetings to discuss the proposal.
August 11, 2014 at the Hon-Dah Conference Center, 777 Highway 260, Pinetop, AZ. 6:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.
August 13, 2014 at the Civic Center, 400 W. Fourth Street, Truth or Consequences, NM. 6:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.
