Feds release study of trapping effects on wolves

Posted: Aug 08, 2011 

 

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - The debate over whether wildlife managers are doing enough to protect Mexican gray wolves in the Southwest has been rekindled with the release of a long-awaited federal study on furbearer trapping.

The U.S. Geological Survey report found that trapping, both by wildlife managers and others, accounted for less 4% of wolf fatalities since the effort to reintroduce the animals began in 1998.
Of 13 documented trapping incidents in New Mexico involving trappers other than those working for the wolf recovery effort, two wolves died as a result of their injuries

There have been 78 wolf deaths documented since the reintroduction effort began.

Environmentalists were critical of state game commissioners' recent decision to lift a trapping ban since the study had not been released to the public before Monday.

WildEarth Guardians says "The fact that two wolves died in traps was enough to make our jaws drop."

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