Gray Wolf from Colorado Reintroduction Program Found Dead in Larimer County

A gray wolf from the Colorado reintroduction program was found dead in Larimer County on April 18, 2024. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is investigating the cause of death, which preliminary evidence suggests was likely due to natural causes. The wolf was one of 10 released in Colorado's Western Slope in December 2023 and January 2024 as part of the state's voter-approved reintroduction efforts.

The wolf carcass was reported to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and an autopsy is being conducted to confirm the cause of death. "Initial evidence suggests the wolf likely died of natural causes," said a spokesperson for the agency. The investigation into the deceased wolf's death is ongoing under the Endangered Species Act.

Since their release, the wolves have spread out throughout the region, with some establishing a broad range across Colorado's mountains, roaming from near the Wyoming border to south of Avon and from Meeker to Granby. However, the presence of wolves has heightened fears for local ranchers, as some of the reintroduced wolves have killed several calves in the area. At least 25 confirmed livestock depredations have occurred since 2021, totaling $39,892.95 in compensation.

Ranchers in Colorado have been pleading with state officials to take action against wolves that have been killing livestock, including at least 20 animals in Jackson County. They are frustrated with the state's refusal to use lethal methods to manage the problem wolves and are threatening to close off access to their private lands as a result. The Associated Governments of Northern Colorado have criticized the state's handling of the wolf reintroduction and the resulting livestock conflicts, calling for the removal of wolves that are chronically killing livestock and for more transparency and stakeholder engagement.

Why this matters: The death of a gray wolf from the Colorado reintroduction program highlights the ongoing challenges and controversies surrounding the restoration of this iconic species to its former range. As wolves continue to expand their presence in Colorado, conflicts with livestock and concerns from ranchers are likely to persist, underscoring the need for effective management strategies and collaboration among stakeholders.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife plans to transplant more wolves to the state next winter, with a goal of releasing 30 to 50 wolves over the next five years as part of the reintroduction program. The agency is also monitoring a female wolf that may have denned, which would be the first den from the reintroduced wolves. Despite the challenges, the reintroduction efforts aim to restore a viable population of gray wolves to Colorado, where they once played a vital ecological role before being eradicated in the 1940s.

Key Takeaways

• A gray wolf from Colorado's reintroduction program was found dead, likely due to natural causes.
• Wolves have spread across Colorado, leading to conflicts with ranchers over livestock killings.
• Ranchers are urging the state to take action, including lethal methods, to manage problem wolves.
• Colorado plans to release 30-50 more wolves over the next 5 years to restore a viable population.
• The wolf's death highlights the ongoing challenges of wolf reintroduction and the need for effective management.