In Arizona, a devoted Mexican gray wolf, whose name was associated with optimism for the threatened species, was discovered dead in strange circumstances.
Many companies have pledged up to$ 103, 500 in prize money for info that “leads to successful trial” of those , responsible for killing the dog, the , U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service , said in a , Nov. 15 , information release.
The wolf’s death was not related to firm management actions, according to the release from the organization, which officials said was unrelated.
Environmentalists referred to the Mexican bear F2979 as Hope. Early in the summer of 2024, the wolf had left her group and had traveled outside the company’s designated species recovery area, according to officials.
According to officials, the fish and wildlife services apprehended her, installed a GPS neck on her, and set her free in July.
Hope was seen traveling with a Latino wolf , known among environmentalists as Mystery, the , Center for Biological Diversity , said in a news release.
When Hope was discovered dead, the fish and wildlife services attempted to capture the couple and carry them back to the designated recuperation area. Officials do n’t know what may have happened to Mystery.
Hope was found dead , Nov. 7 , near , Forest Service Road 2058 , and , East Spring Valley Road , north of , Flagstaff, authorities said.
Those who have knowledge about people in the area where the dog was found or with data authorities believe may be useful are asked to call , U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service , special agencies in , Pinetop , at 346-254-0515.
State wildlife authorities in , Arizona , and , New Mexico , are even accepting knowledge in the case. Call Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Operation Game Thief at 800-352-0700 or , New Mexico Department of Game , and Fish’s Operation Game Thief at 800-432-4263.
Killing a Mexican wolf is illegal under , Arizona , state law and protections under the Federal Endangered Species Act and can result in up to$ 50, 000 in criminal penalty fines, a year in jail and a civil penalty up to$ 25, 000, officials said.
” The smallest grey wolf species in , North America, the Mexican gray wolf is also one of the , oldest and most imperiled , animals on the continent”, the , Center for Biological Diversity , said in a , Nov. 15 , post on Instagram.
Wolf such as Hope “had broad open support from the people in northern , Arizona , and beyond”, the nonprofit organization said.
Flagstaff , passed a resolution supporting Hispanic black dog treatment in northern , Arizona ,” to restore the natural stability of the property and for the financial rewards from wolf-related tourism”, the center said.
Her “presence west of , Flagstaff , had become , a symbol of resilience“, the , Western Watersheds Project , said on Instagram.
” Hope was n’t just a wolf. She served as a powerful example of what might exist in a healthy, balanced ecosystem where wolves can reclaim their proper place, according to the group. ” Wolfe’s dispersal from the Tu Dil Hil pack and her daring establishment of territory north of Interstate 40 defied outdated notions of where wolves belong.”
In the comments made on social media, a number of people expressed their grief over Hope’s passing.
” This is beyond sad and enraging”! someone said under the Center for Biological Diversity’s post. And to know that she was” The Hope” for her endangered species. I hope you find the culprit and they ( will ) be punished severely! Rip beautiful girl”.
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