Facts About Mexican Gray Wolves

Mexican Gray Wolf — the “Lobo”

The Mexican Wolf  (Canis lupus baileyi)—the “lobo” is the rarest, southernmost and most genetically distinct sub-species of the Gray Wolf in North America. It is also one of the smallest sub-species, reaching an overall length no greater than 4.5 feet and a height maximum of about 32 inches. They are one of the most endangered mammals in North America.

Until recent times, the Mexican Wolf ranged the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts from central Mexico to western Texas, southern New Mexico and central Arizona. By the turn of the century, reduction of natural prey like deer and elk caused many wolves to begin attacking domestic livestock, which led to intensive efforts by government agencies and individuals to eradicate the Mexican Wolf.

These efforts were very successful, and by the 1950s, the Mexican Wolf had been eliminated from the wild. In 1976, the Mexican Gray Wolf was declared an endangered species and has remained so ever since. Less than 200 Mexican Wolves now survive in zoos and museums due to successful captive breeding programs.

In March 1997, the U.S. Secretary of the Interior authorized the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to begin reintroducing Mexican Wolves into the Blue Range area of Arizona. The overall objective of this program is to reestablish 100 Mexican Wolves in the Apache and Gila National Forests of Arizona and New Mexico by 2005. 2014 there were 109 wolves in the wild. The goal at that time was 300. As of 2017 there are about 113 left in the wild.

We need to do all we can to save them! Protect The Wolves™ has the tools to make this possible. Please join us so that we may stand united as a powerful voice for these amazing animals! ~L.G