Officials with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are planning to release a set of captive Mexican gray wolves in New Mexico this summer. This will be the agency’s first release to that state.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has submitted three release permit requests to the New Mexico Game and Fish Department. According to the agency, the proposed site was chosen because it fits official release criteria better than approved sites in Arizona.
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The move and the recovery program in general have been met with some resistance from the livestock industry who contend the wolves target their cattle.
Officials with New Mexico Game and Fish said they're reviewing the requests but have not issued a final decision yet.
In a statement, U.S. Fish and Wildlife officials said their agency has the necessary permits to move forward but added they’re most effective when partnering with states.
