Two gray wolves who live at the International Wolf Center in Ely, Minn., make their rounds in their enclosure Friday, April 2, 1999. The gray wolves will be taken off the endangered species list within about 18 months. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
This cougar in Washington state did not want to go back into …
Updated: Tuesday, 07 Feb 2012, 2:41 PM CST
Published : Tuesday, 07 Feb 2012, 2:41 PM CST
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - Environmentalists are suing wildlife managers over a decision last summer to lift a trapping ban in southwestern New Mexico where the federal government is reintroducing Mexican gray wolves.
WildEarth Guardians filed the lawsuit Tuesday. The group is concerned trapping could compromise the wolf population in New Mexico and Arizona.
A recent survey shows there are at least 58 wolves in the two states.
The group contends the New Mexico Game and Fish Department and the Game Commission are violating the federal Endangered Species Act by allowing trapping.
An agency spokesman says the lawsuit has yet to be reviewed.
The commission's vote to lift the ban was based partly on a federal study that found trapping accounted for only a fraction of documented wolf injuries and deaths in the recovery area.
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