“Two Middle Fork pups in the summer of 2011” USFWS

The number of Mexican gray wolves has increased to 83. That’s up from 75 last year but the feds have much more to do,  to make good on their promises to recover this critically endangered wolf.

Wolf population growing, but not enough to please advocates

PHOENIX – The number of Mexican gray wolves roaming eastern Arizona and western New Mexico increased by eight to 83 wolves in the past year, according to a recent survey by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Noting that the population has increased for four straight years, federal and state officials said in a news release that the recovery program has saved the Mexican gray wolf from extinction. However, wildlife advocates said that the effort hasn’t gone far enough to ensure the species’ genetic diversity.

“I’m happy we have seen an increase in population for…