Mexican gray wolf found dead near Flagstaff; Authorities are offering a $100,000 reward for information

A reward of more than $100,000 is being offered for information leading to an investigation into the possible killing of a Mexican gray wolf.

On Nov. 7, a federally protected female Mexican gray wolf was found dead near Forest Service Road 2058 and East Spring Valley Road northwest of Flagstaff.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said the wolf, known as F2979, was first documented this summer outside the Mexican Wolf Experimental Population Area, north of Interstate 40. He was captured and fitted with a GPS collar. He was released in July after DNA was collected for analysis.

It was later seen traveling with another Mexican gray wolf in the area, and attempts were made to reintroduce the pair to the experimental population area, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These efforts were ongoing when F2979 was found dead, and the fate of the other Mexican gray wolf seen with it was unknown.

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The Fish and Wildlife Service said in a statement that it is funding the grand prize along with the Arizona Game and Fish Department, New Mexico Game and Fish and “various non-governmental organizations and private individuals.”

The cause of death for Mexican wolf F2979 was not shared, but the Fish and Wildlife Service said it was unrelated to agency management actions.

“Killing a Mexican wolf is a violation of state law and the Federal Endangered Species Act and may result in a fine of up to $50,000 and/or imprisonment of not more than one year and/or a fine of up to $25,000.” U.S. Fish and Wildlife According to the service.

Anyone with information is asked to call U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service special agents in Pinetop at 346-254-0515.

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This article was first published in Arizona Republic: Mexican gray wolf found dead near Flagstaff; $100,000 reward offered