federal biologists have released nearly a dozen Mexican gray wolves from chain-link pens into the remote ponderosa forests and meadows in the White mountains of eastern Arizona.

The us Fish and Wildlife Service and state officials have taken steps for the first time to return 100 of the animals to the range after an absence of almost 30 years. However, some local cattle ranchers have criticised the efforts. They fear that the wolves will prey on cattle and attack humans as well.

To help alleviate public concern, the environment group