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The Arizona Game and Fish Department is doing what the federal government will not. The state agency is holding public meetings on the federal plan for the future of the endangered Mexican Gray Wolf.

Advocates say more Mexican gray wolves must be released into the wild to ensure the long-term survival of the endangered species. (Photo courtesy of Defenders of Wildlife)

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed the reintroduction of mexican gray wolves in other parts of the state where the animals have not been released. The federal agency has scheduled public hearings on the issue in California and New Mexico but not Arizona, and that has angered some local officials including members of the state’s congressional delegation. 

“Since the preponderance of wolves is in Arizona in the White Mountains  and it effects of number of communities, yes we were concerned that they need to be where those folks would be affected or are affected and we’re still encouraging them to do that” said Arizona Game and Fish spokesman Jim Paxon.

Paxon said the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has not responded to numerous requests to visit Arizona. Game and Fish is holding its own public meetings in Payson, Tucson and Pinetop this week to explain the proposals. It must pass on all public comments about the changes to the federal government before Oct. 28.