Why did wolves disappear?
State and federal bounties (no longer in effect), loss of habitat, poaching, car kills, disease, starvation and parasites have all contributed to their decline. Today, thanks largely to protection provided by the 1973 Endangered Species Act, wolf population have returned and are growing the Upper Midwest.

What is the difference between "threatened" and "endangered" status of wolves?
Endangered means that the species is in danger of extinction.  Threatened means that the species is in danger of becoming endangered within the foreseeable future. Under "endangered" status, those wolves confirmed to have killed livestock are required to be relocated to a different area. For wolves, under the "threatened" status, government control trappers can legally euthanize wolves if those animals are confirmed to have killed livestock.

The Mexican gray wolf had virtually disappeared in the southwestern United States. It was listed as endangered on the federal endangered species list in 1976.

Why do you want to put wolves in the Grand Canyon?
We don’t actually want to put wolves down in the Grand Canyon, but we do want to help them return to their historic home throughout the Grand Canyon Ecoregion.

Where is the Grand Canyon Ecoregion?
The Grand Canyon Ecoregion (GCE) extends north from the edge of the Mogollon rim, where it borders the Blue Range Wolf Recovery Area, all the way to the high plateaus of southern Utah.

Would wolves live everywhere throughout the Ecoregion?
Scientific studies*, which look at road, prey, and human population densities, as well as water sources and vegetation cover, show us where within the GCE wolves could potentially inhabit.
*Feasibility Studies
Carlos Carroll study 2004
Carlos Carroll study 2006
Paul Sneed feasibility study 2004
Kurt Menke feasibility study 2006

Who is involved with the Grand Canyon Wolf Recovery Project?
Grand Canyon Wolf Recovery Project (GCWRP) is a coalition of conservation organizations, zoos, universities, and individuals from throughout the southwest, who have come together to support wolf recovery in the Grand Canyon Ecoregion (GCE), because science tells us it is the LAST BEST PLACE FOR WOLVES IN ARIZONA.

How can I learn more about wolves in this region?
Check out our History and General Wolf Info page.

Do you have educational materials available for teachers?
Yes, check out our Teacher Resources page.          

What can I do to help bring wolves back to the Grand Canyon Ecoregion?
Check out our Take Action page and/or our Action Alerts page often and write letters, sign up to receive wolf updates, and/or Donate to the project.