Catron County, New Mexico, has officially had enough of wolves playing house a little too close to home. So much so, the county just declared a state of emergency over the growing number of Mexican gray wolves that residents say have lost all fear of humans—and apparently have a taste for livestock, pets, and even barrel-racing horses. Deputies have been posted at schools, folks are scared to step outside without checking for fur, and ranchers say they are losing calves faster than they can name them. One local even found a wolf chilling just 10 feet from his front door. (and no, it was not delivering Girl Scout cookies…)
Despite their frustration, most residents admit the wolves aren’t going anywhere. They want better management, more funding, and the freedom to protect their property without facing federal backlash. Because when your choices are “hazing” a wolf or inviting your calf to sleep in the living room, it might be time to revisit the playbook. Until then, Catron County is hoping their plea to the governor gets heard.
Read the full article via Outdoor Life here.
Photo by New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
