Gray wolves from British Columbia are set to be relocated to Colorado, as confirmed by state wildlife officials. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has announced a collaborative effort with the B.C. Ministry of Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship to identify and transport up to 15 wolves for reintroduction within the state.
In a statement, Eric Odell, CPW Wolf Conservation Program Manager, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with B.C.: “We are excited to be working with B.C. to bring together our combined experience and expertise while ensuring the safety of animals and staff. This new source population of gray wolves will provide additional genetic diversity to Colorado’s wolf population.”
The initiative to reintroduce wolves to Colorado began in December 2023 with the introduction of 10 wolves from Oregon. This action was mandated after Colorado voters narrowly approved Proposition 114 in 2020.
Wolves selected from British Columbia will undergo inspections, be fitted with collars, and then be airlifted in crates to Colorado, where they will be released at designated sites, according to CPW. It is emphasized that the wolves will not originate from areas where livestock are present and will not be from packs involved in repeated livestock depredations.
Despite the conservation efforts, the wolf reintroduction plan has faced significant opposition from ranchers and hunting organizations across the state. A coalition attempted to stall further wolf introductions through a citizen petition, which was rejected by the Parks and Wildlife Commission in a 10-1 vote.
CPW revealed that it has implemented various measures to minimize conflicts between wolves and livestock, such as a range rider program, defining chronic depredation, establishing a depredation response operations team, utilizing effective non-lethal tools, implementing a site assessment program, managing carcass removal, and executing a communications plan.
Jeff Davis, CPW Director, affirmed the agency’s commitment to upholding the voter-approved law: “We remain committed to working with all parties as we continue to implement the law as passed by the voters. We have been working all year in preparation to have more wolves on the landscape with an improved Conflict Minimization Program, the addition of new staff to work alongside producers, strengthened partnerships, and guidelines for producers as it relates to chronic depredation and lethal management considerations.”
In addition to the ongoing reintroduction efforts, there is a movement aiming to place a measure on the 2026 ballot that would halt further wolf reintroductions, reflecting the ongoing debate and differing perspectives surrounding the issue.
