Catron County New Mexico, regarding wolf activity.
March 28, 2025 press release:
“March 28, 2025 Reserve, Catron County, New Mexico Catron County Board of County Commissioners FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE..”
“There has been a material increase in Mexican wolf activity county-wide. Catron County is experiencing a high volume of sightings and livestock depredations. Mexican wolves have been seen sporadically near schools and developed areas, and pets have been snatched from front yards in residential areas.”
“Wildlife Services’ efforts to haze the wolves and move them away from residential areas and livestock have not been effective. Range riders and other non-lethal means to chase wolves away have had no visible effect. These wolves show little fear of humans.”
“This is an immediate health and safety hazard to individuals and property. Please be aware of your surroundings when outdoors at all times. Maintain constant supervision of children and pets. Alert our elderly citizens to take appropriate precautions.”
“A Special Meeting of The Catron County Board of County Commissioners to take necessary action to deal with this threat to our citizens and livestock is scheduled for Thursday, April 3, 2025, for 10:00 at the Catron County Court Room, 2nd floor, 100 Main Street Reserve, NM. 87830”
“According to New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association President-Elect Tom Paterson, a Catron County cattle rancher, “these numbers are not a surprise to the people who live and work in wolf country. These wolves are killing cattle. My latest wolf kill was a yearling steer, two weeks ago, 200 yards from my house. But that is not all. These wolves are becoming so habituated that they are stalking our school in Reserve, wandering our streets, killing pets off our citizens’ front porches near Quemado and killing our children’s horses.”
The Service’s objective for the number of wolves on ground is 320 wolves. If the average is at least 320 wolves over four years, the Service will downlist the Mexican wolf to threatened status. If the average is at least 320 wolves on average over 8 years and if Mexico establishes a population of 200 wolves on average over 4 years, the Service will delist the Mexican wolf and turn management over to the States.”