Father And Son Mexican Gray Wolves Found Dead In New Mexico; Federal Investigation Underway

New details have emerged in the deaths of two endangered Mexican gray wolves from New Mexico’s Sawtooth Pack, including a five-year-old father and his yearling son, whose deaths have sparked outrage among conservation groups and are now the subject of a federal investigation.

According to a recent report by the Albuquerque Journal, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service executed a federal search warrant earlier this year as part of its investigation into the deaths. The wolves were reportedly caught in separate trapping incidents on private land near Datil, New Mexico, during the spring of 2025.

“The Mexican gray wolf remains one of the most endangered mammals in North America, and every illegal killing undermines years of recovery work,” said Claire Musser, executive director of the Grand Canyon Wolf Recovery Project. “These wolves were part of a family that was contributing to the species’ future. We applaud federal investigators for their diligence and hope this case demonstrates that endangered species laws carry real weight. Recovery depends not only on releasing wolves into the landscape, but on ensuring that those who unlawfully harm them are held accountable.”

While trapping is prohibited on public lands in New Mexico, livestock farmers are permitted to use certain traps on private property. Mexican gray wolves remain protected under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA), and anyone who encounters an injured or deceased wolf is required to notify authorities within 24 hours and avoid disturbing the scene.

Under federal law, harming or killing a Mexican gray wolf can result in criminal fines of up to $50,000, up to one year in prison, and civil penalties of up to $25,000 per violation.

Conservation organizations applauded federal investigators for pursuing the case and emphasized the importance of holding those responsible accountable.

“We applaud the diligence of law enforcement officers in pursuing accountability for these wolves’ deaths, and we sincerely hope that the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New Mexico takes the opportunity to demonstrate that one cannot simply kill endangered species with impunity,” said Greta Anderson, deputy director of Western Watersheds Project. “These wolves mattered – to their families, to the species, and to the majority of Americans who want to see wolves recovered.”

“A strong enforcement response to these killings will send a message far beyond this case,” said Michelle Lute, PhD in wolf conservation and executive director of Wildlife for All. “At a time when federal leaders are signaling that laws can be ignored or weakened, it’s especially important that prosecutors and wildlife agencies make clear that endangered species protections remain the law. Accountability is essential to deterring future violations and ensuring that those who would harm wildlife understand there are real consequences.”

“In addition to being members of a still highly imperiled and protected species, these two wolves were killed with disturbing human brutality and cruelty,” said Mary Katherine Ray, Wildlife Chair for the Rio Grande Chapter of the Sierra Club. “We are very appreciative of the law enforcement agents’ investigation and hope the perpetrator(s) can be brought to justice, not only for killing endangered wolves, but also for the heinous way the acts were committed.”

“The deaths of these two wolves are heartbreaking and serve as an important reminder that Mexican wolves still face significant challenges. Saving a species like the Mexican wolf is a true team effort, requiring collaboration from captive breeding facilities, conservation organizations, and wildlife agencies, and we’re heartened to see such a coordinated response in the face of such devastating acts,” said Regan Downey, director of education and advocacy at the Wolf Conservation Center, a participant in the SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) Mexican Wolf program.

“The details of these grisly murders demonstrate that, despite the fact that lobos have been an important and iconic part of New Mexican landscapes for millenia, they are still actively and gruesomely persecuted,” said Leia Barnett, New Mexico Conservation Lead for WildEarth Guardians. “The public outcry and formal investigation are proof that wolves are valued as native carnivores and that our bedrock environmental laws like the Endangered Species Act shall not be flouted.”

Authorities are currently offering a combined reward of $104,500 for information leading to the conviction of those responsible for killing Mexican gray wolves. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Special Agents in Pinetop, Arizona, at (346) 254-0515.