Forest Service revokes permit for rancher who trapped wolf

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The U.S. Forest Service has revoked a grazing permit for a rancher who trapped an endangered Mexican grey wolf and hit it with a shovel.

The agency notified Craig Thiessen of its decision late last week.

The Datil rancher held the permit for an allotment near Reserve on the Gila National Forest. The permit had been at risk after Thiessen pleaded guilty in May to knowingly taking threatened wildlife.

The 10-month-old wolf pup died in February 2015.

Thiessen has said he knew he caught a Mexican grey wolf because it had a radio tracking collar. He disputed killing it.

A group that included environmentalists had called on the Forest Service to revoke Thiessen’s permit.

The Forest Service says it will offer other ranchers an opportunity to graze on the allotment.