For Immediate Release

PHOENIX, Ariz. (September 28, 2018) – Preliminary hearings for the illegal killing of an endangered Mexican gray wolf are set to begin today in Arizona. Two Arizona men were charged earlier this week for the shooting which occurred in December of 2017.

Bryan Bird, Southwest program director for Defenders of Wildlife, issued this statement:

“Senseless illegal killings undermine the years of progress and collaboration that has been made for wolf recovery. It is important that illegal killings are investigated and prosecuted. Preventable deaths like this one will continue to jeopardize the future of this critically endangered animal. Every wolf counts and it is imperative that we do whatever we can to maintain the population we have protected.”

For nearly 80 years, Defenders of Wildlife has worked to protect and restore America’s wildlife at risk of extinction, advancing a vision of a future in which wildlife thrives, sustained by broad public support and a resilient network of healthy lands and waters. With a network of more than 2 million supporters, Defenders is an advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard wildlife for generations to come. To learn more, please visit https://defenders.org/newsroom or follow us on Instagram @defendersofwildlife.  

 

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