On November 5, two adult Mexican wolves and four pups were released in suitable habitat near Nuevo Casas Grandes, Chihuahua, Mexico. Prior to release the wolves had been removed from the San Carlos Apache Reservation in Arizona and placed for a few months at the Turner Endangered Species Fund’s captive breeding and pre-release facility at the Ladder Ranch. The pack had done nothing wrong, except establish a den on land where they and the pups were not welcome. As a sovereign nation, the Tribe was able to insist that the Service remove the pack. Notably, the pup’s father eluded capture.
Going forward the Ladder Ranch will continue to serve as an important way station for wolves scheduled for release in wildlands south of the border.