Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has announced that the reintroduced gray wolves in the state have crossed south of Interstate 70 for the first time, marking a significant step in their exploration of new terrain. This southward movement is expected for the wolves, who need abundant prey, large wild landscapes, and minimal human interference to thrive. The wolves are being tracked via GPS and have been observed venturing beyond I-70, which reflects their ability to adapt to different environmental conditions as long as they have enough prey. This expansion may continue in the future as the wolf population grows.
The reintroduction plan, mandated by a 2020 voter-approved initiative, aims to rebuild a sustainable wolf population in Colorado through the release of 10 to 15 gray wolves each winter until 2028. The first 10 wolves were introduced from Oregon in December 2023, and an additional 15 are set to arrive from British Columbia, Canada, between December 2024 and March 2025. However, there have been challenges with the reintroduction efforts, as three of the original wolves have died, including one fatality during a relocation effort near Copper Creek in late August. Concerns arose in the Copper Creek area due to wolf interactions with livestock, prompting CPW to launch a capture and relocation mission for the pack in the area.
In response to the conflicts with ranchers and livestock, CPW has provided nonlethal deterrent training to prevent such incidents and encourage the use of tools like fladry fencing and guard dogs. The agency has emphasized the importance of balancing wolf conservation with public safety, using GPS tracking to monitor the wolves’ movements and limit human-wildlife interactions. Residents and visitors are encouraged to report potential wolf sightings to CPW to contribute to conservation efforts. While the cost of the wolf reintroduction program has surpassed the original estimates, CPW remains committed to restoring a sustainable wolf population in Colorado and ensuring the well-being of the wolves.
As the state prepares for the arrival of more wolves this winter, CPW anticipates the population will continue to adapt to the diverse landscapes of Colorado. The agency believes that as long as prey is available, wolves will expand widely over time, using a variety of areas to establish territories and thrive. While challenges may arise during the reintroduction process, CPW remains dedicated to finding effective strategies to support coexistence between wolves and local stakeholders. Despite setbacks, the successful restoration of wolves in Colorado is a crucial step towards maintaining ecological balance and preserving the state’s natural heritage.
