Here's a breakdown:
* Gray Wolves (Canis lupus): Historically, gray wolves were present throughout much of the Southwest, including parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Texas. They were eradicated from most of this region by the early 20th century due to government-sponsored eradication programs and habitat loss.
* Mexican Wolves (Canis lupus baileyi): This subspecies, considered critically endangered, had a historical range spanning portions of Arizona, New Mexico, and northern Mexico. They faced similar threats as gray wolves, leading to their near-extinction by the mid-20th century.
Current Status:
* Gray Wolves: While gray wolves are not currently established in the Southwest, there have been occasional sightings and confirmed individuals crossing into areas like Arizona and New Mexico.
* Mexican Wolves: A reintroduction program started in the 1980s has established a small, but growing, population of Mexican wolves within the Blue Range Wolf Recovery Area in Arizona and New Mexico.
It's important to remember: The range of wolves in the Southwest is constantly changing due to factors like reintroduction efforts, human activity, and natural dispersal.