Arizona officials are putting the federal government on notice that they may sue to force development of an update of the current recovery plan for endangered Mexican wolves.
The state Game and Fish Department announced Tuesday it has served a notice of intent with Interior Department officials.
State officials contend the current recovery plan is outdated and lacks recovery criteria required by federal law.
According to state officials, Interior Secretary Sally Jewell has 60 days to respond to the notice, which is a requirement before a lawsuit can be filed.
Efforts to reintroduce the predators to parts of western New Mexico and eastern Arizona have been hampered over the years by illegal shootings, among other things.
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