Flagstaff, Arizona – Authorities are investigating the death of a Mexican gray wolf in Arizona and are offering $100,000 for information on who killed the animal.
According to a news release from US Fish and Wildlife Servicea female Mexican wolf known as F2979, was found dead northwest of Flagstaff, Arizona on November 7th.
The wolf was captured in early summer, fitted with a GPS collar and returned to an area known as the Mexican Wolf Experimental Population Area (MWEPA) near Flagstaff, the agency said.
The wolf was seen roaming the area with another Mexican wolf in October, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife experts captured the two wolves and brought them to MWEPA. I was thinking of going home.
Authorities were still working to return the two to MWEPA when F2979 was found dead. The manner of the wolf's death has not been made public.
The other wolf found in F2979 has not yet been located.
Various rewards are being offered for information leading to the conviction of those responsible for the Mexican wolf's death, with up to $103,500 available to those who solve the mystery.
The Mexican gray wolf is a federally protected wolf species.
Killing one of the wolves is a violation of the federal Endangered Species Act and Arizona state law, and violators can face thousands of dollars in fines and up to a year in prison.
