Only 286 Mexican gray wolves remain in the wild. Every single pup matters. Yet federal agents with Wildlife Services—a division of the USDA—killed a critically endangered Mexican gray wolf pup in New Mexico last month. The pup was part of the Prieto Pack, one of the few remaining wild families of this iconic species.

This tragedy isn’t an isolated incident. According to conservation advocates, Wildlife Services has a long and troubling history of using lethal methods on native wildlife, including endangered species, often without public transparency or adequate accountability. In this case, the agency confirmed the killing but has yet to explain why a wolf pup, barely old enough to survive on its own, was targeted.

This is unacceptable.

The Mexican gray wolf is protected under the Endangered Species Act. That means every loss pushes the entire species closer to extinction. How can a federal agency charged with "managing" wildlife be allowed to kill it instead—especially when recovery programs, funded by taxpayer dollars, are working hard to restore the population?

We, the undersigned, demand full accountability for the agents involved and a formal investigation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The public deserves answers. More importantly, the remaining wolves deserve protection—not bullets.

We also call for immediate reforms to Wildlife Services’ protocols, including a halt to lethal measures against endangered species, and mandatory public disclosure when such actions occur.

This pup’s life mattered. The agency that took it must be held accountable.

Sign now to demand justice for the Mexican gray wolf and permanent protections for the few who remain.