On Monday, Apache County Supervisor Doyel Shamley was advised that the Arizona Game and Fish Department was issuing residents in Nutrioso less-than-lethal rounds to protect themselves from aggressive wolves.
In a response to Shamley’s concerns for residents, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD) provided details of an incident that occurred on March 20 in the Dry Valley in Nutrioso.
On 3/20/18 the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD) received a call that wolves had killed an elk in Dry Valley in Nutrioso. An AGFD wolf biologist responded to the area and confirmed the Hoodoo pack had killed an elk in the area approximately 100 yards from the nearest residence in the early morning hours of 3/20/18. While in the area, several people were contacted who reported seeing wolves on the elk carcass and traveling back into the forest that morning. The remnants of the elk carcass were removed to eliminate further attractant of wolves to the area.
Because this was the second confirmed elk kill this month by the Hoodoo pack in proximity to houses, AGFD wolf biologists initiated multiple and sustained hazing efforts on members of the Hoodoo pack in effort to increase their aversion to areas with human presence. Several residents in the area were also issued less than lethal rounds to use to haze any wolves that return to the area of Dry Valley. As of 3/26, there have been no additional wolf incidents reported in Nutrioso.
Shamley stated, “Once again, this is an example of a mismanaged federal program, with our only support coming from AZ entities. After speaking with many stakeholders, and constituents it’s apparent our only relief will come from our recent work with attorneys and legislators.”
Earlier this month, Shamley warned residents to take care after a report of three wolves feeding on a dead elk in the Chapache housing area in Alpine.
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