More than three dozen environmental groups are asking the federal government to release at least five packs of Mexican gray wolves in New Mexico to bolster the genetics of the endangered predators.
The groups sent a letter Thursday to Interior Secretary Sally Jewell and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Director Dan Ashe.
New Mexico wildlife officials declined to issue permits to the Fish and Wildlife Service for releases earlier this year in the Gila National Forest.
The agency also was denied a permit that would've cleared the way for more cross-fostering of pups in the wild.
The state has concerns because the agency has yet to update its recovery plan. Ranchers have long been critical of the program.
There are at least 110 Mexican wolves roaming in Arizona and New Mexico.
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