State wildlife officials in Colorado are being tasked with tracking down a pack of wolves that have been responsible for a series of livestock attacks in the state. This decision comes after several incidents where farm animals were killed, sparking concern among local ranchers and igniting debates on wolf management following a recent reintroduction program by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission (CPW). A statute passed in November directed the CPW to develop a plan to introduce and manage gray wolves in Colorado west of the Continental Divide. Ten wolves were reintroduced to the state as part of this plan, with the primary goal being to maintain a viable, self-sustaining wolf population while minimizing conflicts with domestic animals, other wildlife, and people.
Despite efforts to manage the wolf population, conflicts between wolves and livestock have persisted. According to CPW depredation information, 24 cattle and sheep have been killed by wolves since April, with the Copper Creek Pack—comprising a breeding pair and three pups—identified as the main source of depredation issues in Grand County. All released wolves are monitored using satellite GPS collars, which allows CPW staff to learn about their movements and behavior. In response to the attacks, CPW has initiated an operation to capture and relocate the depredating Copper Creek wolf pack. This decision was made after careful consideration of multiple factors and feedback from stakeholders. CPW director Jeff Davis emphasized that this action is not a precedent for how CPW will resolve wolf-livestock conflicts in the future.
The ultimate goal of the operation is to relocate the pack to another location while assessing the best options for their contribution to the successful restoration of wolves in Colorado. CPW is committed to fulfilling the will of Colorado voters to restore the gray wolf population while considering the needs of local communities. Wildlife biologists, federal partners, and producers are working with CPW to develop solutions that aim to reduce the risk of additional wolf depredations. For the safety of the animals and staff involved in the operation, CPW has not disclosed the location of the pack members and the operation. More information will be provided at the conclusion of the operation. Ranchers in Colorado’s Middle Park area have requested CPW to take action to stop the wolf depredations, with previous attempts at nonlethal deterrents proving ineffective. Earlier this year, ranchers were denied a permit to kill depredating wolves, as gray wolves in most regions are protected under the Endangered Species Act.
The reintroduction and management of gray wolves in Colorado have raised concerns among ranchers and wildlife conservationists, highlighting the complex challenges of balancing livestock protection with wildlife preservation. While efforts are being made to address conflicts between wolves and livestock, more effective strategies and solutions are needed to minimize such incidents in the future. The ongoing operation to capture and relocate the Copper Creek wolf pack reflects CPW’s commitment to managing wolf populations in a responsible manner, taking into account the interests of various stakeholders. Moving forward, collaborative approaches involving wildlife experts, government agencies, and local communities will be crucial in ensuring the coexistence of wolves and livestock while supporting the restoration of wolf populations in Colorado.
