ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Taylor, a Mexican Gray Wolf known for crossing Interstate 40, was found dead over the weekend near Grants, New Mexico.
Taylor, who established a home near Mount Taylor despite federal restrictions, was moved multiple times by the New Mexico Department of Wildlife but returned each time. The Center for Biological Diversity says Taylor was three years old.
“This is such an unfortunate outcome for Taylor,” said Greta Anderson, deputy director of Western Watersheds Project. “His life demonstrated the suitability of wolf habitat in these mountains.”
Claire Musser, executive director of the Grand Canyon Wolf Recovery Project, emphasized the need for wildlife crossings and connectivity to prevent such tragedies.
“Taylor’s death is a heartbreaking reminder that highways like I-40 are lethal barriers for wildlife,” said Musser. “Abolishing I-40 as a management boundary is long overdue.”Taylor was not the only wolf to be found north of I-40 in recent years. Asha the wolf was noted for venturing north of the I-40 border not once but twice. She made it all the way up to the Santa Fe National Forest in late-2022 and Valles Caldera in 2023. Another wolf named Ella was also noted for venturing north of I-40.
“I can’t help but wonder whether this tragedy could have been avoided if Taylor and potential female mates had been allowed to roam and find each other north of I-40, instead of him crossing south to look for love,” said Michael Robinson, a senior conservation advocate at the Center for Biological Diversity.