Wolves vs. Ranchers: Cochise County Takes a Stand

Cochise County Weighs in on a Centuries-Old Debate: Wolves vs. Livestock

At a recent meeting, the Cochise County Board of Supervisors took on a question as old as animal domestication itself: How do we balance the needs of ranchers with the survival of wild predators?

At the heart of the discussion was Resolution 25-21, a proposal opposing the current Mexican gray wolf reintroduction program and calling for significant reforms.

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Why the Mexican Gray Wolf Needs Protection

The Mexican gray wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) is the smallest and most genetically unique subspecies of the North American gray wolf. According to the Wolf Conservation Center, it was added to the endangered species list in 1976 after habitat loss and predator control programs pushed it to the brink of extinction.

As of January 2025, only about 286 wolves remain in the wild across Arizona and New Mexico.

But numbers aren’t the only concern. These wolves descend from just seven founding animals, making their gene pool dangerously shallow. That lack of diversity leaves them vulnerable to disease and environmental stress.

And perhaps their greatest threat? Humans. Illegal poaching and ongoing conflicts with ranchers continue to hinder their recovery.

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Ranchers Push Back on Predators

The wolf reintroduction program began in 1998 in the Blue Range Wolf Recovery Area. This year, a wolf pack was removed from Cochise County after ranchers reported livestock losses.

Many ranchers argue that wolves are harming their livelihoods and feel that the government is prioritizing wildlife over rural communities. They want the wolves gone, for the safety of their herds and their way of life.

On July 22, the Board of Supervisors heard passionate arguments from both sides.

Voices Supporting the Resolution

James Schmidt, a retired USDA wildlife specialist, spoke in favor of the resolution. He described the economic toll wolves take on ranchers and urged the county to stand up for its agricultural community.

One county supervisor echoed that sentiment, raising constitutional concerns. He argued that the U.S. Constitution shouldn't protect wolves at the expense of state economies or private property rights.

Voices Opposing the Resolution

Anne Presna, a ranch owner herself, took a different stance. She criticized the resolution for favoring cattle ranching, which she argued has already damaged native grasslands and wildlife. She called for continued public support for wolf recovery and emphasized the ecological importance of predators.

Dr. Elitus Neils, a wildlife conflict specialist with 25 years of experience, also opposed the resolution. She stressed that wolves play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems and criticized the resolution for lacking scientific grounding. Her message was clear: coexistence is not only possible, it’s necessary.

The most moving testimony came from 8-year-old Aurelia Neils, a homeschooled student and founder of a youth group dedicated to species protection.

With heartfelt emotion, she spoke about the importance of wolves and the sadness she felt over their removal. She urged the board to think of future generations and vote against the resolution.

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The Final Vote and Its Impact

After hearing all sides, the Board voted 3-0 to adopt Resolution 25-21, formally opposing the current reintroduction program and calling for reforms. The decision reflects a prioritization of local economic concerns over the continued protection of this endangered species.

Watch the full meeting of the Cochise County Board of Superviors on YouTube. The discussion begins at the 33-minute mark, and the speech by Aurelia Neils starts at 46 minutes.

The full press release on the outcome of the resolution can be found here.

Sources: Cochise County Resolutions | Cochise County Board of Supervisors Meeting Minutes | YouTube: Cochise County Board of Supervisors | Arizona Game and Fish | Wolf Conservation Center