The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is confirming that a record number of Mexican gray wolves have been found dead this year in New Mexico and Arizona.
Bill Andres, public affairs branch chief for the Arizona Game and Fish department said the causes of the 17 wolves’ deaths have not yet been determined.
“It could die as a pup. They have very high mortality as pups. It could die in a fight with another wolf. It could get kicked in the head by an elk, hit by a car. There are a lot of different reasons.”
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Andres added that because there is also a record number of 114 wolves, it stands to reason that more of them will eventually die.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services is still conducting an investigation into those deaths.
