“All the Mexican wolves living in the wild today come from seven founding animals, composed of three distinct lineages,” Spencer notes. Under the Endangered Species Act the federal government must work to recover this critically endangered species. By the late seventies wolf populations in the Southwest had crashed to a mere five wolves in Mexico and were all but eliminated in New Mexico and Arizona. This wolf family is one of the most genetically valuable in all of America’s captive population. Of the several Mexican wolf litters born at the sanctuary, two family groups have already been released into the wild (Arizona): the Hawk’s Nest pack released in 1998 (part of the initial release) and the Cienaga group released in 2000 still survive today. Some have now found their “forever home” here. Here the carbon-rich grassy meadows offset climate change, a lush red and blue riot of native wildflowers like purple camas and golden paintbrush attract honey bees, and the moss-draped trees offer cool shade and refuge to the fifty-two displaced and captive-born wolves. These prairie lands are quiet buffers for this, the only wolf sanctuary in the world accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. It’s a good and safe life at Wolf Haven, with its eighty-two acres of restored and biologically diverse prairie and oak woodlands, founded in 1982. Just their parents, siblings, and home life.” “There is no concept of captivity or even humans for the pups. “Their world is so small now,” she added. “They’re being raised by their parents, just like any wolf pup in the wild,” explained Wendy Spencer, Wolf Haven’s director of animal care. These critically endangered Mexican gray wolves are growing up in the Species Survival Program (SSP) for possible reintroduction into Arizona, New Mexico, and Mexico. Via live remote cameras I watched as four gangly six-week-old male pups scampered and climbed atop their very patient father, M1066, nicknamed in house as “Moss.” The big-eared and fuzzy pups romped and feigned attacks with tiny sharp teeth, wrestling with each other, then racing into the tall cedar trees. He was just a tough all-around player and did what it took to get the job done.In the spring of 2015 I visited Wolf Haven International, a wolf sanctuary in Washington state, to witness the first litters of Mexican gray wolf pups born there in seven years. When I was growing up, I admired Bill Bates because he had a great work ethic, and he wasn't a superstar. What football players do you admire? "I admire Ray Lewis because he plays my position, and he is always all over the field making plays. This year we have to concentrate on playing hard for 60 minutes and putting teams away when we have the opportunity." We had a good start in every game last year, but we just seemed to find ways to lose. What does the team need to improve the most from last season? "We need to learn to finish games. I believe that we are on their level, and I want to show all of college football that our linebackers are just as good as Iowa's." The media talks so much about Iowa's linebackers, Chad Greenway and Abdul Hodge. What match-up are you anticipating most this year? "I'm really looking forward to playing Iowa. There isn't a weak game on our schedule so we have to be ready to go every week." Playing against high-caliber competition every week really keeps you on your toes. What do you like most about playing in the Big Ten? "I love playing at this level against big-time programs like Michigan, Ohio State and Notre Dame. I'm trying to stay humble and just go out and take care of business on the field." Just because I'm on that list doesn't mean I'm going to come out and perform well. On the other hand, I still have to come out and perform. How do you feel about being named to the Butkus Award watch list? "It's a real honor because not a lot of players get on that list. Being front and center in the huddle, everyone expects me to be a leader." Coaches and teammates see me as one of the leaders on the team. What is your leadership role on the team? "Since I am a one of the older guys on defense, I have to step up and be a vocal leader. Hall took time to speak with after Tuesday's practice. Hall has recently been named to the Butkus Award watch list with 64 other linebackers as the nation's best linebacker. He also topped the team with two interceptions, and he received the team's Pit Bull Award for intensity and the Hammer Award for the most outstanding hitter last spring. Hall is a key piece to the Boilermaker defense after recording the second-most tackles on the team last season with 92, including six for loss. Linebacker George Hall will help lead a defense returning all 11 starters from a year ago.
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