Federal fish and wildlife officials are appealing to the state to reconsider its rejection of two permits related to Mexican wolf conservation efforts.
The Albuquerque Journal reports this is the first year the state has denied the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's request to renew a permit to hold wolves at Ted Turner's Ladder Ranch in southwestern New Mexico.
State Game Commission members also denied a request to release wolf pups and two adults on land managed by the U.S. Forest Service in New Mexico.
Phoenix-based U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service spokesman Jeff Humphrey said state cooperation is preferred, though critics say the agency could proceed regardless of local approval.
The appeals are set to be heard during an Aug. 27 Game Commission meeting.
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Information from: Albuquerque Journal.
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