The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has signed an order calling for the shooting of a female Mexican gray wolf that was accused of killing too many cows in southwestern New Mexico.
Agency officials signed the order Thursday. It's the first time since 2007 that the agency will be killing a wolf due to depredation problems.
The order calls for shooting the alpha female of the Fox Mountain Pack.
Wolf Recovery Coordinator Sherry Barrett says it was a difficult decision given that the population of endangered wolves in New Mexico and Arizona has been struggling since reintroduction began 14 years ago.
Barrett says the depredations needed to be addressed.
She says the rancher who lost cattle to the pack has been compensated.
Wolf supporters are upset with the decision. They're concerned about the ability of the pack's pups to survive without their mother.