SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO

Defenders of Wildlife issued the following statement on a female Mexican gray wolf sighted crossing Interstate 40, outside of the Mexican Gray Wolf Experimental Population Area. The female, from the Rocky Prairie pack (F2754, also known by the public as Asha), was last documented in the Jemez Mountains near Jemez Springs. This is the second time the female wolf’s travels toward Colorado have illustrated the Mexican gray wolf's ability to thrive outside its arbitrarily designated population area in Arizona and New Mexico.  

“This female’s repeated attempts to move north demonstrate the Mexican gray wolf’s natural inclination to roam,” said Bryan Bird, Defenders of Wildlife Southwest program director. “She is in search of a mate and could soon find one in Colorado. This is a clear sign that wolves will again roam from the northern Rockies in Canada to the Sierra of Mexico if we let them.”  

For over 75 years, Defenders of Wildlife has remained dedicated to protecting all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With a nationwide network of nearly 2.1 million members and supporters, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife for generations to come. To learn more, please visit https://defenders.org/newsroom or follow us on X @Defenders.

  

Media Contact

Communications Specialist
jcovey@defenders.org

News

Image
gray wolf walking with paw raised and looking at camera
Olympia, WA

Washington State 2025 Wolf Count Increases, Depredations Decrease

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife today released the state’s 2025 minimum count for gray wolves at 270 individuals, a 17% increase from 2024
Image
gray wolf
Salem, OR

Oregon Releases 2025 Annual Wolf Count, Numbers Up

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife today issued its 2025 gray wolf annual report, announcing an increase in the wolf population for a new