PINETOP, Ariz. — Biologists from multiple agencies working on the Mexican Wolf Interagency Field Team (IFT) have been surveying Mexican wolf 2020 end-of-year population numbers since Nov. 1, 2020 and are expected to continue through Feb. 4, 2021. Population numbers are essential for the Mexican wolf due to the subspecies status as an endangered species.
Ground counts of wolf packs and single wolves in Arizona and New Mexico began Nov. 1. The ground count period lasts for the months of November and December and is followed by an aerial count and capture operation conducted by the IFT using helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft. Any wolf captured will be fitted with a satellite tracking collar to assist the IFT with monitoring and management efforts. The dates for the upcoming aerial count and capture operation are Jan. 21 through Feb. 4, weather permitting. Agency personnel will be limited for this year’s aerial operation and numerous precautions will be implemented to limit the exposure to and possible spread of COVID-19.
Residents of Alpine, Arizona, Reserve and Magdalena, New Mexico, and surrounding areas may notice several daily flights of a low-flying helicopter over their communities during this period as biologists conduct their annual wolf population survey and capture. Survey flights will occur on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation, Apache-Sitgreaves, Cibola and Gila National Forests in eastern Arizona and western New Mexico, and possibly on some areas immediately outside the forests.
The IFT is in the process of contacting private landowners for permission to land on their property, if necessary, and is coordinating with land management agencies and county sheriff offices on survey operation details. Details of the 2020 wolf population census are anticipated to be available in March 2021.
Contact:
Jackie FollmuthPublic Affairs Community Liaison, AZGFD
