ALBUQUERQUE, NM (AP) -
Federal officials say there are more Mexican gray wolves in the Southwest than there have been in each of the past five years.
The survey found at least 58 wolves in Arizona and New Mexico, up from 50 in the previous survey.
The annual survey results were released by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service after tracking the animals on the ground and from the air.
Fish and Wildlife Service Regional Director Benjamin Tuggle says the increase is evidence of progress made by the program over the last year.
The latest census marks the first time in nearly a decade that wolf numbers have increased over two consecutive years.
Without new wolves, Tuggle and environmental groups say the population's genetics could be compromised.
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