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Government-sponsored poisoning and trapping campaigns in the 1930s mostly exterminated the U.S. wolf population. (WikiCommons)

Lawsuit over Endangered Species Act follows outrage at wolf torture photo

A lawsuit over a federal agency's decision not to boost wolf protections in New Mexico and other western states has been filed, days after video …

In New Mexico, three-quarters of new survey respondents said they do not want protections rolled back on national monuments. (National Park Service)

Poll: Voters in NM, other Western states consistently support conservation

A new poll showed New Mexico voters expressed a deep affection for lands, water and wildlife and want policies offering greater protections. The 14…

Many saguaro cacti were damaged or destroyed during construction of the U.S.-Mexico border wall initiated by former President Donald Trump and funded by taxpayers. (Photo courtesy: LaikenJordahl)

NM Saw Lasting Consequences from Trump's U.S.-Mexico Border Wall

The unprecedented attempt to build a wall along the U.S. Mexico border has had devastating effects on wildlife from which they may not recover…

New Mexico's newly created permanent conservation fund is modeled after a trust established by the Wyoming Legislature in 2005. (RustyDodson/Adobe Stock)

New Mexico Creates First-Ever $100M Conservation Fund

New Mexico is using some of its surplus budget funds, primarily from oil and gas revenues, to establish the state's first-ever source of recurring …

Since the beginning of 2022, seven Western states have initiated programs to maintain wildlife habitat and safe passage, through fencing, signs, overpasses and underpasses, according to Pew research. (TaborChichakly/Adobe Stock)

NM Lawmakers Weigh Next Step for Wildlife Crossings

Reducing the number of wildlife-vehicle collisions is the goal of a bill before the New Mexico Legislature this session. Sen. Mimi Stewart, D-…

Albuquerque's city-owned animal shelters are waiving adoption fees this weekend in an effort to reduce the high number of animals boarded there. (poetanimalrescue.org)

COVID-Related Crisis Continues for Animals, Animal Shelters

Adopting a pet was a lifesaver for many people isolated during the pandemic. Two years later, many animal shelters, including those in Albuquerque…

More than 6 million people rely on the Upper Rio Grande River for water, food, and shelter. (rgbrt.org)

Report Card: Upper Rio Grande Basin's Health Rated 'Moderate'

To help people better understand the health of the Upper Rio Grande Basin, a first-ever "report card" gave the overall river basin a "C" for its …

A collaborative team in Taos is slated to solve a daunting challenge created this spring when a local beaver population built a dam across the river at the city's park. (TaosLandTrust)

The 'Beaver Deceiver' Protects the Taos Watershed, Wetland Habitat

A wildlife ecosystem can benefit from a beaver dam, but their location can cause headaches for humans when they produce flooding. In Taos, New …

In New Mexico, herds of pronghorn typically are found roaming the high plains throughout the eastern part of the state. (Steppinstars/Pixabay)

USGS Seeks More Funding for Big-Game Migration Mapping

A four-year project to map big-game routes throughout the West will end without additional funds from Congress - at least for now. Since 2018…

The Rio Grande Basin provides critical habitat to sandhill cranes, migratory and wintering waterfowl and many other species. (nm.audubon.org)

Champions for Biodiversity Want Biden Administration to Do More

Land-use changes, pollution, and climate change all contribute to declining biodiversity. Now a broad group of U.S. lawmakers wants the Biden …

Safe wildlife passages, either under or over roads, are estimated to have reduced collisions by more than 80%, according to Pew Charitable Trusts. (BridgetDonaldson/Virgina.gov)

NM Summit Works to Solve Safe Passage for People, Wildlife

Shrinking wildlife habitat puts big-game animals at greater risk of colliding with cars and trucks, and has led to the Wildlife Corridors Action Plan …

New Mexico could benefit from a competitive federal grant program that provides funding for safe wildlife corridor projects, but it requires 20% in matching funds. (state.nm.us)

Crossing to Safety Endangers Animals, People

A Wildlife Corridors Action Plan for New Mexico identifies 11 priority "safe passage" projects, such as underpasses and overpasses, to improve driver …

Like humans, stress levels in pets often are reduced with enough fresh air and exercise. (Seaq68/PIxabay)

Don't Let Holiday Hustle and Bustle Overwhelm Fido and Fluffy

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Whether your pet is shy or outgoing, keeping them happy and healthy during the busy holidays can be a challenge. Your curious …

More than 70% of documented Mexican gray wolf deaths are human-caused, according to the environmental law firm Earthjustice. (Rebecca Bose/Wolf Conservation Center)

Judge: Plan for Mexican Gray Wolf Recovery Must Address Poaching

ALBUQUERUE, N.M. - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has six months to develop new language in its Mexican gray wolf recovery plan, after a judge …

Because of river-flow reductions and habitat alteration and loss, the southwestern willow flycatcher teeters on the brink of extinction. (eBIrd.org)

Saving America's Wildlife Earns Bipartisan Support

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Wildlife experts say about one third of all wildlife species in the U.S. are in decline or vulnerable - which makes revived …

To create a route for the southern border wall between the U.S. and Mexico, the Trump administration used blasting techniques typically reserved for mining operations. (John Darwin Kurc)

Border Wall Map Reveals Damage to Landscape, Migration Routes

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- A newly-released map identifies portions of the U.S.-Mexico border wall built by the Trump administration, and for conservation …

A family of endangered Mexican gray wolves will be released on property owned by communications magnate Ted Turner, where work to breed endangered Bolson tortoises, aplomado falcons and threatened Chiricahua leopard frogs has been successful. (rewilding.org)

Mexican Gray Wolf Family Relocates to Friendlier NM Hunting Grounds

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- The Mexican gray wolf is so threatened with extinction it was not included in the Trump administration's order to remove other …

From raccoons to bald eagles to domestic pets, at least four million animals die in traps each year, according to the Humane Society of the United States. (apvnm.org)

NM Governor to Decide Fate of "Roxy's" Trapping Law

SANTA FE, N.M. -- A dog that died through no fault of its own on a hike with its owner near Santa Cruz Lake in 2019 could leave a lasting legacy if a …

Jaguars are considered an Endangered Species across their range along the border of Mexico and state-level protections exist in Arizona and New Mexico. (defenders.org)

Scientists Identify More Jaguar Recovery Habitat in NM, AZ

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Jaguars once roamed much of the Southwest, and wildlife scientists say they've identified plenty of land where they could thrive …

A 2019 poll by the National Wildlife Federation found nearly 85% of respondents in New Mexico said they'd like to see increased efforts to safeguard wildlife corridors. (dog.gov)

Western Big Game Benefits from New Tracking Tool

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - A new report published by the U.S. Geological Survey includes detailed maps of Global Positioning System tracked migration routes …

A javelina family trapped by a border wall in Arizona. (Matt Clark/Defenders of Wildlife)

Lawsuits Mount Over Trump Border Wall

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- A coalition of conservation groups has sued the Trump administration over money from the nation's military budget being used to …

Loss of habitat makes it more difficult for animals such as bighorn sheep to use historic migration routes in New Mexico. (commons.wikimedia.org)

Wildlife-Corridor Protection Key to New Mexico National Forest Plan

SANTA FE, N.M. – New Mexico's Upper Rio Grande Watershed is home to one of the best-connected wildlife landscapes in the country. But …

The Mexican spotted owl, found in several Western states including New Mexico, was first listed as threatened in the United States in 1993. (nps.gov)

New Mexico Firewood Feud Resolved as Temperatures Dip

SANTA FE, N.M. – Firewood permit sales will resume in New Mexico national forests after a judge modified a court order aimed at protecting the …

New Mexico is developing a study to identify areas where wildlife crossing roadways are consistently hit by motorists. (wildlandnetwork.org)

Poll: New Mexicans Want Wildlife Corridors Protected

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — An overwhelming majority of residents in New Mexico and Colorado say protecting wildlife-migration corridors is very …

At least 42 Mexican gray wolves have been caught in traps since 2003, four in Arizona and the remainder in New Mexico.(defenders.org)

One Step Forward, One Step Back for Southwest Mexican Gray Wolves

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Mexican gray wolves are slowly returning to historic territories in the Southwest, but they are still being killed at rates …

If approved by the New Mexico Legislature,

NM Legislature Considers 'Roxy's Law' to Ban Wildlife Traps

SANTA FE, N.M. - A dog killed by a trap near Santa Cruz Lake is driving legislation expected to be introduced in the New Mexico Legislature this week …

Only portions of the almost 2,000-mile long southern border between the United States and Mexico currently are separated by a wall. (keranews.org)

Trump to Pitch Wall at U.S. Border

LAS CRUCES, N.M. – Environmentalists do not expect President Donald Trump to see an immigration crisis at the border when he visits, but say he …

Scientists say warmer temperatures of a changing climate, combined with drought in the Southwest, could make it harder for bird-loving saguaros to survive. (allaboutbirds.org)

Biologists: Border Wall Could Doom Plants, Wildlife

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The U.S. Congress has a new deadline of Dec. 21 to hammer out an agreement on a new spending bill, but conservation groups …

New Mexico's Game and Fish Department warns residents that

Homeowners, Hikers Beware as Hibernation Ends for Hungry Bears

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – New Mexico residents have a greater chance of encountering bears this spring because of dry conditions across the state…

The endangered Mexican gray wolf could eventually roam north of Interstate 40 after a judge ruled the current territory boundaries do not ensure long-term survival. (biologicaldiversity.org)

Rare Lobos Get Another Chance at Maximum Recovery

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - The clock is ticking for the Fish and Wildlife Service to draft a timeline for rewriting the 2015 federal management guidelines …

The New Mexican Spotted Owl is one of several threatened wildlife species in the state. (nps.gov)

Conservationists: One-Third of U.S. Wildlife Staring Down Extinction

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Every state has a Wildlife Action Plan mandated by Congress, to protect the vulnerable species in that state – and …

Hikers with dogs should be aware that animal traps on public lands can be as close as 25 yards from trails or roads. (peta.org)

NM Hikers: Beware of Hidden Animal Traps on Public Lands

SANTA FE, N. M. – There's still a month left in the animal-trapping season and, with the weather warming, hikers on public lands need to …

Nearly 70,000 homeless dogs and cats die in New Mexico animal shelters each year. (americanhumane.org)

Pet-Food Fee Could Fund Spay-Neuter Clinics In New Mexico

SANTA FE, N.M. — Animal rights advocates want New Mexico to join three other states that use pet food registration fees to fund animal spay and …

Prototypes of President Trump's proposed border wall were exhibited last October outside San Diego. (texastribune.org)

Trump Administration Scraps Environmental Rules for NM Border Wall

LAS CRUCES, N.M. – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security says it will waive more than three dozen laws and regulations – most of them …

New Mexico could do more to help threatened plants and animals if Congress passes the Recovering America's Wildlife Act. (nmwildlife.org)

A Plan to Safeguard Wildlife Before It's Too Late

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Legislation aimed at taking a proactive approach to conservation has been introduced in Congress, in hopes of protecting …

The large populations of gray wolves that once roamed the Southwest were killed off because of the threat they posed to cattle ranchers. (earthjustice.org)

What's Next for Endangered Mexican Gray Wolves?

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Several advocate groups have filed an intent to sue the U.S. government over the Mexican gray wolf recovery plan released last …

A move to ban animal traps and poisons on public lands has been postponed and may be heard next week in Santa Fe. (Mary Katherine Ray/Trap Free New Mexico)

Bill to Ban Animal Traps on Public Land Postponed

SANTA FE, N.M. – A bill to ban the use of traps and poisons for hunting on public lands has been postponed and may get its first hearing in the …

A new study shows that killing predators like the Mexican Gray Wolf may not reduce livestock losses.(Endangered Wolf Center)

Report: Killing Wolves and Coyotes May Not Protect Livestock

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - The practice of killing predators such as wolves, coyotes and bears to protect livestock has little scientific validity, …

Conservation groups are opposing New Mexico officials, who are seeking a court order to remove two Mexico gray wolf pups recently introduced into the wild. (Endangered Wolf Center)

Conservation Groups Join Lawsuit over Mexican Wolf Release

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Conservation groups are seeking to join the legal fight between New Mexico and the federal government over the release of …

Two pups born to Mexican gray wolves at the Endangered Wolf Center in Missouri were recently introduced into a wild den in New Mexico. (Endangered Wolf Center)

Biologists Introduce "Foster" Wolf Pups to New Mexico Pack

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologists have released a pair of Mexican gray wolf pups born in a wildlife preserve into an …

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has designed almost 14,000 acres in New Mexico, Arizona and Colorado as critical habitat as for the endangered New Mexico meadow jumping mouse. (USFWS)

Critical Habitat Designated for Endangered New Mexico Mouse

SANTA FE, N.M. - Federal officials have declared 14,000 acres of Western land as critical habitat to protect the endangered New Mexico meadow jumping …

A New Mexico judge's order has blocked a Roswell company from opening a horse slaughterhouse. (sgarton/morguefile)

Animal Advocates, New Mexico Win Fight to Block Horse Slaughter

SANTA FE, N.M. - A state district judge's order has put an end in New Mexico to plans for the slaughter of horses for human consumption. The state …

Officials with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials say two endangered Mexican wolves died in January during annual capture-and-count operations. (Wikimedia Commons)

Annual Population Count Leaves 2 Endangered Wolves Dead

ALBUQUERQUE, NM - Two endangered Mexican wolves were accidentally killed in January during federal wildlife officials' annual capture-and-count …

Scientists and wild animal advocates are calling on federal authorities to release at least five packs of Mexican gray wolves into New Mexico's Gila National Forest to preserve the endangered species. Credit: Jim Clark/USFWS.

Scientists Urge Release of Wolves to Protect Species

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Scientists and wild animal advocates are calling on federal authorities to release at least five packs of Mexican gray …

PHOTO: A new survey shows a majority of voters of all political stripes like the idea of preserving sagebrush landscapes where greater sage-grouse reside. Photo courtesy U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Poll Measures Support for Sage-Grouse Habitat Conservation

SANTA FE, N.M. – Westerners have a soft spot for greater sage-grouse, according to a new poll released this week. A majority of voters …

PHOTO: The CDC reports only one new strain of rabies has been discovered in the U.S. this past decade, that is until a woman in Lincoln County was attacked by fox with rabies last month. Photo credit U.S. Department of Defense.

New Strain of Rabies Found in New Mexico

SANTA FE, N.M. - A new strain of rabies is on the books after a fox attacked a woman in Lincoln County last month. Dr. Paul Ettestad, a public …

PHOTO: Some farmers and ranchers in New Mexico and other drought-ravaged Western states are eligible for emergency government loans linked to the USDA declaring 256 counties natural disaster areas. Photo courtesy U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

New Mexico Farmers Hit by Drought May Be Eligible for Aid

LAS CRUCES, N.M. - It may only be February, but several drought-ravaged counties in New Mexico and other Western states are already under a "primary …

PHOTO: Bats are helpful to New Mexico farmers and people in general, despite being a mainstay among the Halloween creatures that may cause fear in some people. Photo courtesy of the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department.

Spooky Halloween Icons Maybe, But Bats Help New Mexico

ALBURQUERQUE, N.M. - Halloween is Friday, and bats may be among the creepy creatures meant to cause fright, but the little animals actually help New …

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