Latest news with #NewMexicoDepartmentofGameandFish
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
New Mexico Dept. of Game and Fish officers help canoers to safety after boat overturns
COLFAX COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) — Three canoers from Louisiana were helped to safety by New Mexico Department of Game and Fish officers after their boats overturned on the Canadian River in Colfax County. One canoer was injured significantly, while another broke a leg and the third was relatively uninjured, according to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. Story continues below Entertainment: First-of-its-kind indoor pickleball facility coming to northeast Albuquerque Community: Albuquerque church leaning on faith after 2 members killed by their son Environment: What should New Mexicans do if they come across a raccoon? Sgt. Marcelino Peralta and Officer Tanner King were among the first on the scene when the boaters used their phone's SOS function to call for help on May 16. Their canoes had capsized in rapids five miles downstream from Taylor Springs near Springer during high-water conditions. This was in a remote area of ranch land. Peralta hiked down the east side of the canyon through a 250-feet elevation change to reach the injured canoers. Peralta rendered first aid while other responders drove to the scene. The canoer with significant injuries was airlifted by a National Guard Black Hawk helicopter and taken to an Albuquerque hospital. He has been treated for six broken ribs and a punctured lung. Family members say he's recovering well. Responders helped the canoer who broke their leg crawl out of the canyon. The third, relatively uninjured canoer was able to walk out of the canyon on his own. 'Sgt. Peralta's knowledge of the area and ability to get to the scene saved several hours of additional wait time for two very injured men,' said Northeast Area Capt. Ty Jackson in a news release. 'Great work as always from these guys.' The department advises boaters and anglers to be cautious during high water levels caused by spring runoff, as they can create hazardous conditions. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
‘Bees to bison' wildlife agency overhaul ripples through State Wildlife Action Plan
An undated photo of a Peñasco least chipmunk which has been considered for listing as endangered, due to the small population. (Courtesy of Department of Game and Fish / Jim Stuart) The beloved fairy bee, the Sacramento Mountain Salamander and the jaguar share one common trait: a spot on New Mexico's 2025 blueprint for animal conservation. State wildlife officials released the New Mexico State Action Wildlife Plan earlier this month, identifying more than 500 species listed requiring need for conservation — more than double from the previous plan released in 2017. Next week marks the halfway point for the public comment period on the guidance documents, which ends June 9. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish is required to review and revise these plans every decade and submit them to the federal government. The plan will be considered for approval by the State Game Commission later this fall. A warming climate, environmental fragmentation from development and threats like disease all pose threats for New Mexico species, even as it remains one of the most biodiverse states in the U.S., said Ginny Seamster, the assistant chief for technical guidance at the agency. 'Realistically, helping these species is an all-hands-on-deck effort,' she said. 'We need everyone who's interested to participate.' The 2025 plan doubled the number of birds and includes pollinating insects (which help plants reproduce), which had been left off the species plan in past years, 'There are some species that are only associated with a single plant, so if you remove the pollinator from the ecosystem, you're losing the plant, too,' Seamster said. 'You're multiplying the loss of biodiversity.' Public comment on the draft plan remains open until June 9, and can be submitted via email: dgf-SWAP@ 'Since this is a statewide plan, and we really want anyone who's interested in a species of greatest conservation needs to be able to see themselves in it,' Seamster said. The increase in species signals both the threats many animals in New Mexico face and the reforms underway at the wildlife agency. The State Wildlife plan dovetails with a series of changes the agency is enacting after the passage of Senate Bill 5 in the legislative session, which dramatically increased funding and expanded the scope of the department into the New Mexico Wildlife Department. As states rethink wildlife management, New Mexico offers a new model The Legislature approved a $10 million dollar three-year pilot project funding work related to species of greatest conservation need, and the department is now receiving several million dollars in interest from the Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund in addition to revenue from hunting and fishing fees. The department is currently working to hire additional biologists to carry out the work, Seamster said, noting that previously, it only assigned one biologist to non-game birds. 'There are over 500 species of birds found in the state, and nearly 150 birds are species of greatest conservation need. That is clearly too many species for one person to be able to address,' she said. 'Having more staff means we can do a lot more research, a lot more habitat work.' Advocates, who fought and succeeded in reforming the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, say they're excited about the plan, which they hope will be the 'gold standard' for wildlife agencies. 'Across the country, agencies are going to look at what New Mexico's doing and see how we manage wildlife: from the top to the bottom, from the bumble bees to the bison,' said Jesse Deubel, executive director of the nonprofit New Mexico Wildlife Federation. 'It's all necessary for an intact ecosystem.' Deubel said federal efforts to freeze and roll back conservation work exacerbate climate change impacts such as increased wildfire and shrinking wetlands. But funding for New Mexico's wildfire agency comes from the state, he noted. That means: 'We're going to be able to continue doing unbelievable conservation and habitat work in New Mexico, despite the dysfunction that's happening at the federal level,' he said. An undated photo of a Peñasco least chipmunk which has been considered for listing as endangered, due to the small population. (Courtesy of Department of Game and Fish / Jim Stuart) SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Yahoo
‘Aggressive' bear reported near Jordan Hot Springs in New Mexico
CATRON COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) — People visiting the Jordan Hot Springs area in the Gila Wilderness are asked to leave immediately on Friday afternoon as an 'aggressive, human-habituated' bear has been reported in the area. The public is being encouraged to avoid the area until further notice while the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish investigates the sighting. Story continues below Food: Albuquerque shop makes 'Top 50 Donuts' list on Yelp Trending: New Mexico's largest electricity provider is raising its rate in 2025, 2026 Events: What's happening around New Mexico May 16-22: Boots In The Park and more News: Jemez Springs prepares for overhaul of sewage collection system after overflow spill According to Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, the bear entered the hot springs while people were soaking in them. Officials also say the bear charged at hikers, harassed campers, and destroyed a tent. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish offered these suggestions for anyone camping in areas known to have bears: 'Keep your camp clean and store food and garbage properly at all times. Use bear-proof containers when available. If not, suspend food, toiletries, coolers, and garbage from a tree at least 10 feet off the ground and 6 feet out from the tree trunk. Keep your tent, sleeping bag, and gear free of all food smells. Store the clothes you wore while cooking or eating with your food. Sleep a good distance from your cooking area or food storage site; 100 yards is recommended.' As for hikers, the department says they should go in a group, make noise, and keep children as well as pets close. They are asked to avoid leaving trash on the trail. If someone encounters a bear, this is how the department suggests they protect themselves: 'Stop and back away slowly while facing the bear. Avoid direct eye contact, as the bear may consider that a threat. Do not run. Make yourself appear large by holding out your jacket. If you have small children, pick them up so they don't run. Give the bear plenty of room to escape, so it doesn't feel threatened or trapped. If a black bear attacks you, fight back using anything at your disposal, such as rocks, sticks, binoculars, or even your bare hands. Aim for the bear's nose and eyes. If the bear has not seen you, stay calm and slowly move away, making noise so the bear knows you are there. Never get between a mother bear and her cubs.' The department says they want to keep everyone, including the bears, safe. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Endangered Mexican wolf tracked roaming north of I-40, what to do if you see it
*Related video: Threatened vs. Endangered Species – how is it decided? CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) – A female Mexican wolf has been tracked roaming north of Interstate 40, outside of the Experimental Population Area, according to officials from the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). As of Thursday, March 27, she was approximately 20 miles north of I-40 near Mount Taylor. Because Mexican gray wolves are listed and protected as federally endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), landowners and members of the public cannot harm, trap, or kill them unless the wolf actively poses a threat to human safety. Violating the ESA can result in a civil penalty of up to $25,000 or a criminal penalty of up to $50,000 and one year in prison. If you see a Mexican wolf, leave it alone, and contact the Department of Game and Fish hotline at 1-800-432-4263. Conservationists worry Mexican grey wolves could be threatened by cuts to recovery programs USFWS has jurisdiction over the wolf and is actively monitoring her location. The service issued the following statement regarding the wolf: 'Female wolf 2996 was captured in January as part of annual aerial count and capture operations. During efforts to release her, F2996 managed to escape her crate and self-released west of Show Low, Arizona. Since then, F2996 has made large dispersal movements across Arizona and New Mexico. She is currently approximately 20 miles north of I-40 and continues to make large movements. We are monitoring her movements to see if she returns to her pack. There are no plans to capture F2996 at this time.' USFWS Mexican wolves are Northern America's smallest and rarest subspecies of gray wolf. They were nearly eliminated from the wild by the 1970s due to conflicts with livestock. After being listed as endangered in 1976, captive breeding of the wolves began in the late 1970s. The reintroduction of those wolves began in 1998, and the efforts are ongoing. Three new minerals discovered in southern NM recognized by international group The latest numbers from the 2024 population survey show that there are at least 286 Mexican wolves in the wild between Arizona and New Mexico, marking the ninth consecutive year of population growth; an estimated 162 of those wolves tend to reside in New Mexico. Interstate 40 marks the upper boundary of the experimental area for Mexican wolves in Arizona and New Mexico, according to the following USFWS 2015 Mexican Wolf Experimental Population Area map. To find out more about Mexican wolf conservation efforts, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Lobos on the rebound? Mexican gray wolf numbers up again in New Mexico
The eyes may be windows to the soul in humans, but the teeth are the telling feature for the Mexican gray wolf. Wear and tear on a wolf's sharp canine teeth can be used to track age, trauma and disease, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Checking the teeth is just one part of the health screenings performed on the Mexican gray wolf during an annual population census. Driven almost to extinction in the mid-20th century, the Mexican gray wolf was reintroduced to the landscape from a founding population of just seven wolves. The population has now increased for the ninth year in a row, the New Mexico and Arizona game and fish departments announced last week, with at least 286 wild wolves found in the two states. That's an 11% increase from the minimum count in 2023, when 257 wolves were spotted. In the past decade, the Mexican gray wolf population has almost tripled, from double digits in 2015. "Once again, the data collected on the recovering Mexican wolf population show progress,' said Stewart Liley, chief of wildlife for the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. 'Each year, the wild Mexican wolf population numbers increase, and the areas they occupy expands." He said the wolf population now approaches goals in the current recovery plan. But conservation groups worry about the future of the Mexican gray wolf amid continuing human-wolf encounters and the species' own genetic crisis. Population generally healthy Each year, staff from state and federal agencies join forces to capture and count Mexican gray wolves. Those who participate are passionate about the work, said Elin Crockett, a wildlife veterinarian for the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish who works with animals from elk to bears. "It's definitely a good and kind of inspiring program to work on," Crockett said. More than half the 286 wild wolves counted in the most recent census were found in the Land of Enchantment. The 37 packs identified in New Mexico are generally concentrated in the western portions of the state. Wolves are typically captured on the ground or darted from a helicopter. From there, they can be transitioned to processing sites, where vets like Crockett can evaluate their health and administer vaccines. Females are checked to see if they're of breeding status; some injuries and infections like abscesses are treated. Wolves are given fluids and pain medication to ease the stress of capture. Crockett said the wolves evaluated at the end of last year generally appeared healthy. The team of veterinarians take blood samples and survey them for exposure to certain diseases like parvovirus or distemper. "We do see those diseases in their populations just kind of simmering at low levels," Crockett said, but she hasn't seen major die-offs. Living with wolves The reintroduction program has been controversial, especially among livestock owners. On Wednesday, while debating a bill on reforming the New Mexico State Game Commission, Rep. Stefani Lord, R-Sandia Park, described seeing calves killed by wolves. Driving wolves off her property is a partial solution, Lord said — there's no guarantee they won't head straight to a neighboring property. "I will live with the wolves, but I don't want my neighbors to," Lord said. In 2023, New Mexico ranchers were paid approximately $62,000 in direct compensation for lost livestock, according to the annual Fish and Wildlife wolf reports. The federal government provided $3 million to hire range riders, put up fencing and dispose of livestock carcasses in an effort to make ranches less appealing to hungry wolves. Confirmed Mexican gray wolf kills spiked in 2019, and the following year, livestock owners in the state were paid $186,000 to make up for losses. Since the peak in 2019, the rate of fatal attacks on livestock and other animals, known as depredation, has been falling. Despite an increasing wolf population, confirmed kills decreased almost 50% over those four years. In August 2023, Wildlife Services — the federal agency charged with investigating depredation reports — raised the evidentiary bar to confirm a Mexican gray wolf kill. Some groups said that prevented over-attributing deaths to wolf attacks. One of the major changes was requiring evidence that an animal was alive when it crossed paths with a wolf. At a New Mexico Game Commission meeting last fall, ranchers shared their frustration over delayed compensation and a lack of information about the whereabouts of the wolves — many of which are tracked through collars but whose movements aren't monitored or released in real time to deter poachers and maintain battery life in the collars. Humans and wolves might cross paths in ways other than livestock attacks. In 2023, four Mexican gray wolves were killed by cars and 11 were illegally killed. Those numbers are well above the average for the approximately quarter-century reintroduction program. Chris Smith, wildlife program director for WildEarth Guardians, said despite a growing population, the risks to the Mexican gray wolf are still high. There are methods to reduce human and wolf clashes, including "hazing" wolves away from human areas, but they only go so far. "I'm not sure that we'll ever get down to zero conflict," Smith said. "I wish we could." Some of those efforts are supported by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service. Wildlife technicians for the service track and monitor the wolf populations and work to reduce livestock conflicts. But as federal priorities shift with a new presidential administration, Smith said he's not sure how much effort will be devoted to the Mexican gray wolf program in the future. "I think it kind of depends on what we see from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife and the federal government, in terms of to what extend they abandon funding and staffing the recovery program," Smith said. Recovery ready? A genetically homogeneous population is more susceptible to disease, less fertile and more likely to see the impacts of inbreeding. Mexican gray wolves were once released as family units. That changed in 2006. From then until 2015, only a handful of "unbonded" adult wolves were released. In 2015, the program switched to placing captive-born wolf pups into wild dens, hoping they would be fostered by wild wolves. Since then, 126 pups "carefully selected for their genetic value" have been placed in almost 50 dens in the wild. Genetic management from the released pups is "showing results," Liley said. Some conservationists advocate for going back to family releases, which they say can improve the chances that pups reach breeding age and do, in fact, breed. As the population grows, the impact of the genetic diversity of one captive-born wolf is diluted. "If there are 10 wolves on the landscape, and you introduce one new wolf that is genetically different ... [then] 9% of the wolves on the landscape have new genetic information," Smith said. "Whereas now, we have close to 300 wolves. If you introduce one wolf with new genetic information, that's a tiny, tiny little drop in the bucket of the gene pool." The number of wolves is creeping toward the target: downlisting or delisting from the endangered species list. If the rate of increase continues as expected, the U.S. population should hit 320 wolves within just a couple of years — the threshold to consider reducing protections. But downlisting or delisting could still be a long way off. An average population of 320, or 150 in both the United States and Mexico, would have to be maintained for four years to be downlisted, and there would have to be a demonstration of genetic diversity. Delisting is an even higher bar. And a full recovery could take even longer. Smith thinks the target should be more than double the current 320 goal, and that the reintroduction boundaries should be extended. Some advocates have been pushing for changes to the boundaries of the Mexican Wolf Experimental Population Area. Currently Interstate 40 is the northern boundary. Wayward wolves who pass the boundary — like celebrity and perpetually northward-bound wolf Asha, who was found once in Angel Fire, and again in Coyote — can be trapped and relocated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. "The population growing is a good sign," Smith said. "True recovery looks like a minimum of 750 wolves in at least three different populations."
