By By Karen Graham Jan 31, 2014 in Environment Native to North America, the Mexican gray wolf, a smaller subspecies of the gray wolf, is one of the rarest and most genetically unique of the wolves. About the size of a German Shephard, adults can weigh between 60-82 pounds. At one time, the Mexican wolf ranged from Mexico, western Texas, southern New Mexico and into central Arizona. Some scientists have found genetic proof the Mexican wolf even reached up into Colorado at one time. But by the start of the 20th century, a reduction in their natural prey, deer and elk, caused the wolves to turn to preying on domestic livestock. Government agencies, hunters, and trappers waged an all-out war against the wolf, and by the 1950s, the Mexican gray wolf was eradicated in the wild. In 1976, the wolf was included on the Mexican gray wolves are not necessarily gray. In fact, their fur is a mix of gray, rust, black and cream, making for a really striking coat. Jim Clark, USFWS In March of 1998, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) began an experimental reintroduction program in the Blue Range area of Arizona, releasing 11 wolves. The goal of this project was to reestablish 100 Mexican wolves into the Apache and Gila National Forests in Arizona and New Mexico by the year 2008. The program met with many roadblocks, from political disputes to illegal killings, as well as other problems. An ongoing battle between environmentalists and ranchers, much like what has been going on in Idaho and other northern tier states, has created numerous legal obstacles. There has been concern recently about maintaining On Wednesday, January 16, 2013, a four-year-old Mexican gray wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) named M1133 took his first careful steps out of his crate into Arizona’s Apache National Forest, near the New Mexico border. Courtesy of USFWS USFWS Arizona Game and Fish Assistant Director Jim deVos says that although the program was thought to be a failure, it has instead proven to everyone that strong, consistent conservation measures can succeed, and the Mexican gray wolf introduction program is an example of that success. A recent story in Digital Journal, Annual survey results released on Friday, Jan. 31, 2014, showed the number of Mexican gray wolves in Arizona and New Mexico has increased over last years numbers. The survey counted at least 83 of the endangered wolves in the two states, marking the fourth year in a row that their numbers have shown an increase.At one time, the Mexican wolf ranged from Mexico, western Texas, southern New Mexico and into central Arizona. Some scientists have found genetic proof the Mexican wolf even reached up into Colorado at one time. But by the start of the 20th century, a reduction in their natural prey, deer and elk, caused the wolves to turn to preying on domestic livestock.Government agencies, hunters, and trappers waged an all-out war against the wolf, and by the 1950s, the Mexican gray wolf was eradicated in the wild. In 1976, the wolf was included on the endangered species list by the U.S. government. It was declared an endangered subspecies, and has remained on the list to this day.In March of 1998, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) began an experimental reintroduction program in the Blue Range area of Arizona, releasing 11 wolves. The goal of this project was to reestablish 100 Mexican wolves into the Apache and Gila National Forests in Arizona and New Mexico by the year 2008.The program met with many roadblocks, from political disputes to illegal killings, as well as other problems. An ongoing battle between environmentalists and ranchers, much like what has been going on in Idaho and other northern tier states, has created numerous legal obstacles.There has been concern recently about maintaining genetic diversity . Some conservationists are worried about inbreeding affecting the gene pool, and lowering survivability of pups. This same group feels that releasing only a couple wolves every year is not enough to insure diversity in the genetic pool.Arizona Game and Fish Assistant Director Jim deVos says that although the program was thought to be a failure, it has instead proven to everyone that strong, consistent conservation measures can succeed, and the Mexican gray wolf introduction program is an example of that success.A recent story in Bill seeks to remove federal protection for endangered species , detailed the federal governments efforts to do away with protection of animals on the endangered species list in the U.S. It would prove to be a disaster for this country's many endangered animals, as well as many species of plants. More about Mexican, Gray wolf, Southwest, endangered species act protection, subspecies More news from Mexican Gray wolf Southwest endangered species a... subspecies