Track
Track 3: Identity, Equity & Professional Navigation
Publication Date (MM-DD-YYYY)
3-7-2026
Start Date (MM-DD-YYYY)
3-7-2026 11:00 AM
End Date (MM-DD-YYYY)
3-7-2026 11:30 AM
Presentation Type
Presentation
Description
The reintroduction of the Mexican gray wolf under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) falls between a highly contested crossroads. Tensions in Catron County are felt in local ranches, hunting camps/communities, and rural living. In Catron County, ranching and hunting are the backbone of the economy. The reintroduction has proven to be a highly controversial topic among the communities, with most against the ESA.
Using a mixed-method approach to my research, this study unifies gathered data from government entities and oversight reports, and academically published articles. The qualitative evidence gathered during in-depth interviews with local Catron County ranchers and hunting guides reveals a consistent pattern. There are substantial depredations confirmed to be from wolf kills, with little financial compensation. The interview data further demonstrates a line-up of similar frustrations when dealing with the financial burden, economic, and ecological downfall of area businesses.
The complex and overlooked consequences of the reintroduction of the Mexican gray wolf cannot be evaluated solely on ecological outcomes. There is a significant disconnect between conservation efforts, such as the placement of the wolf on the ESA, and the lived environmental and economic livelihoods. Integrating qualitative and quantitative data with academically researched and published articles reveals a gap in research. The long-term success of the reintroduction needs to begin to align with the economic burden placed on rural communities.
Recommended Citation
(2026). Mexican gray wolf reintroduction: Community impact & policy tension. Retrieved from https://fuse.franklin.edu/dsa-conf/2026/presentations/19
Mexican gray wolf reintroduction: Community impact & policy tension
The reintroduction of the Mexican gray wolf under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) falls between a highly contested crossroads. Tensions in Catron County are felt in local ranches, hunting camps/communities, and rural living. In Catron County, ranching and hunting are the backbone of the economy. The reintroduction has proven to be a highly controversial topic among the communities, with most against the ESA.
Using a mixed-method approach to my research, this study unifies gathered data from government entities and oversight reports, and academically published articles. The qualitative evidence gathered during in-depth interviews with local Catron County ranchers and hunting guides reveals a consistent pattern. There are substantial depredations confirmed to be from wolf kills, with little financial compensation. The interview data further demonstrates a line-up of similar frustrations when dealing with the financial burden, economic, and ecological downfall of area businesses.
The complex and overlooked consequences of the reintroduction of the Mexican gray wolf cannot be evaluated solely on ecological outcomes. There is a significant disconnect between conservation efforts, such as the placement of the wolf on the ESA, and the lived environmental and economic livelihoods. Integrating qualitative and quantitative data with academically researched and published articles reveals a gap in research. The long-term success of the reintroduction needs to begin to align with the economic burden placed on rural communities.
