DIVIDE – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service report that it has found tracks that might belong to a wolf that was reported missing from the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center near Divide earlier this month.
Officials believe the animal has moved northwest from the Wildlife Center.
The male wolf and two littermates arrived on Nov. 11 and were released into the enclosure. Later that evening, the staff noticed that the wolf was missing. They contacted authorities who immediately initiated efforts to trap the animal. So far, they haven’t been successful.
The wolf is not considered a threat. However, the animal might become defensive if it’s threatened. Mexican wolves are protected as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Harming or killing a Mexican wolf is illegal unless it is in defense of a person’s life or the lives of others.
If you happen to spot the young wolf, you’re encouraged to scare him if he’s seen at close proximity. The wolf is not externally marked (no radio collar, ear tag, etc.), but is distinguishable due to blindness in one eye. That eye is almost completely black.
If you have any information about the animal, you can call (866) 4USDA-WS (866-487-3297) or click here for their website.
