A Mexican Wolf Pup’s Journey into the Wild
The Mexican gray wolf was on the verge of extinction in the 1970s. To save the iconic predators, biologists and a Texas trapper joined forces on an ambitious plan that continues today.
Overheard at National Geographic
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Show Notes
For centuries, Mexican gray wolves roamed the Southwest. But as cattle ranches spread, wolves became enemy number one, and by the 1970s the subspecies was nearly extinct. But after the Endangered Species Act was passed, the U.S. embarked on an ambitious plan to save the iconic predators. We’ll meet the Texas trapper who switched from killing wolves to catching them to breed. And we’ll follow a team of biologists into the Gila Wilderness to introduce captive-born wolf pups into the wild.
For more information on this episode, visit natgeo.com/overheard.
Want more?
Check out Peter Gwin's feature article on the Gila wilderness.
Thinking of visiting the Gila yourself? We've put together a travel guide for you.
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