Wild Wolf Population in New Mexico (2021)

According to the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish 2021 Annual Report, the minimum documented wolf count at year-end was:

• 197 wolves (minimum known)

This reflects the Mexican gray wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) recovery population in the Blue Range Wolf Recovery Area (Apache & Gila National Forests, NM/AZ border). The count is based on radio-collared individuals, trail cameras, and scat DNA—actual numbers may be 10–20% higher.

Recovery goal: 320 wolves in the wild. 2021 marked the 6th consecutive year of growth, but genetic diversity and human-caused mortality (illegal shooting, vehicle strikes) remain concerns.