For years, ranchers have butted heads with conservationists and the federal government – claiming that the endangered Mexican gray wolf is a serious threat to their local economies and public safety. Federal data obtained by KUNM, however, tells a different story. The Mexican wolf debate is not a new one. After almost going extinct from trapping and hunting, the lobo was reintroduced into New Mexico and Arizona over 28 years ago, sparking significant conflict and even fear among residents.