Additional Coverage:
Reward for Information on Protected Wolf’s Death
Wildlife officials in Arizona are investigating the death of an endangered Mexican gray wolf, offering a $103,500 reward for information leading to the conviction of those responsible.
The female wolf, F2979, was found dead northwest of Flagstaff on November 7th. Officials suspect foul play, as the cause of death is unrelated to their management efforts.
F2979 was captured and fitted with a tracking collar in July, but she later strayed from her pack. Efforts were underway to return her to the designated conservation area when she was found dead.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Arizona Game and Fish Department are leading the investigation, with assistance from other organizations and individuals. The reward money includes up to $50,000 from the federal government, $2,000 from state agencies, and additional funds from private sources.
The Western Watersheds Project, a non-profit organization, has condemned the incident and called for the perpetrators to be prosecuted. They shared photos of F2979, highlighting her visible tracking collar and calling her “Hope.”
Officials emphasize that the illegal killing of protected wolves is a serious offense, and they urge the public to provide any information that may assist in solving the case.