Crystal Brantley, state senator for New Mexico's District 35, has expressed her support for Catron County's disaster declaration. The declaration aims to protect citizens and communities from the endangered Mexican gray wolves. Brantley made this statement in a press release on April 3.
"threat posed by the Mexican gray wolf is not just an inconvenience—it is an affront to the safety and livelihood of thousands of New Mexican families," said Brantley, New Mexico State Senator. "I fully support Catron County's disaster declaration and urge state and federal officials to take immediate action. Our communities should not have to live in fear while their concerns go unanswered."
Catron County, New Mexico, has declared a state of emergency due to incidents involving endangered Mexican gray wolves reportedly killing livestock and taking pets. Ranchers and residents from New Mexico and Arizona voiced their concerns during a three-hour county commission meeting, citing fear and economic hardship. According to AP News, the conflict arises from the ongoing reintroduction of the species, which began in the late 1990s.
AZ Central reports that the Mexican gray wolf was listed as endangered in 1976. It is a smaller, genetically distinct subspecies of gray wolf with a U.S. population reaching 252 in 2022. This number exceeds the recovery plan’s target; however, human-caused deaths—primarily illegal killings and vehicle collisions—remain the leading cause of mortality. Federal law prohibits killing wolves, and advocates are urging stronger law enforcement and prosecutions to address ongoing violations.
According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, in 2023, the wild population of Mexican gray wolves grew to a minimum of 257 across Arizona and New Mexico, marking the eighth consecutive year of growth. The population included at least 60 packs, 138 pups with a 62 percent survival rate, and 26 breeding pairs. Additionally, by year’s end, 113 wolves—44 percent of the total—were fitted with tracking collars.
Brantley's website states that she is a Las Cruces native and an NMSU graduate in Agricultural Economics who has served as both an elected official and a conservation leader. She advocates for multi-use land practices and created the Rural Ombudsman role with unanimous legislative support. She was named Legislator of the Year in both 2022 and 2023 and is noted as being the first New Mexico senator to serve on the National Republican State Leadership Committee.
