Investigation of FWS’ Mexican Gray Wolf Program

At the request of U.S. Congressman Steven Pearce (R-NM), we investigated numerous allegations of misconduct and mismanagement by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) staff overseeing the Mexican Gray Wolf Recovery Program (MGWRP). We found some evidence of historical mismanagement in the program, specifically regarding the actions of a former coordinator for the Interagency Field Team (IFT) charged with coordinating the wolf recovery activities of various Federal and State agencies. We also found concerns about communication between IFT and the residents of Catron County, NM, which makes up part of the Mexican gray wolf’s territory in the United States, and about the compensation of ranchers for livestock depredation by the wolf.

 

We provided a report of our investigation to the FWS Director for any action he deems appropriate. We also provided Congressman Pearce an informational copy.