Wildlife agencies in Colorado are working to capture and relocate the state’s first wolf pack, formed as part of an ambitious reintroduction program, after the wolves have been involved in multiple livestock attacks. This development raises concerns about the effectiveness of the voter-driven initiative aimed at restoring wolf populations in the region.
The action follows a recent announcement by state officials regarding the birth of three pups in the Copper Creek pack, which emerged after the release of ten wolves in December amidst significant opposition from livestock groups. The pack is currently believed to have at least two adult wolves.
This capture attempt contradicts Colorado’s wolf management plan adopted last year, which suggested that relocation holds “little technical merit” and could exacerbate problems elsewhere. The plan emphasizes non-lethal methods for managing wolf-livestock conflicts, encouraging practices like using range riders and other deterrents, while allowing lethal measures only if necessary.
State officials have not specified the relocation site for the Copper Creek pack or whether these wolves will be released back into the wild or kept in captivity.
Ranching groups are advocating for the elimination of the pack, while wildlife advocates argue for the implementation of better preventive measures, such as electric fencing, to safeguard livestock. In other regions of the United States, where wolf populations are more established, wildlife officials often implement lethal control measures following livestock attacks. Because wolves reproduce prolifically, such removals generally do not significantly impact overall populations.
Despite recent livestock attacks attributed to the wolves, state officials had previously aimed to avoid lethal removal. A spokesperson indicated the importance of conserving the current wolf population as reintroduction efforts progress.
Residents near the attack sites express varying opinions. Some ranchers support the relocation, blaming the wolves for significant livestock losses, while wildlife organizations highlight successful coexistence strategies employed by other ranchers managing their herds alongside wolves without incident.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife has referred to the situation with the Copper Creek pack as a “unique case,” with plans to consider the best options for their management moving forward. The state’s wolf reintroduction initiative, narrowly approved by voters in a 2020 ballot measure, anticipates the release of an additional 30 to 50 wolves in the coming years, complementing wolves that have entered the state from Wyoming.
In a broader context, proponents of wolf reintroduction argue that these apex predators play a vital role in restoring ecological balance, as wolves were largely eradicated from Colorado by the 1940s due to hunting. Compensation for ranchers affected by wolf attacks is available, but many argue the amount falls short of adequately covering their losses.
Recent statistics indicate that gray wolves were responsible for approximately 800 livestock deaths across ten states in 2022, including incidents in Colorado. While these losses can severely impact individual ranchers, they generally have a minimal effect on the livestock industry as a whole. Many ranchers contend that unreported losses further complicate the issue, as missing livestock may go unnoticed or the cause of death may remain uncertain.
