Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) officers shot and killed a gray wolf in Pitkin County after it attacked livestock four times within nine days. This marks the first time CPW has used lethal force on a wolf since reintroduction efforts began in December 2023.
The wolf killed was a young male, part of the Copper Creek Pack. CPW officials tracked the wolf using its GPS collar after ranchers reported repeated attacks. The agency said it confirmed three of the attacks with clear and convincing evidence.
CPW said the wolf targeted calves and cows between May 17 and May 25. On May 17, a wolf injured a calf. On May 23, CPW found a dead calf. The next day, officers found one dead calf and one injured calf. On May 25, the wolf injured a cow and another calf.
Ranchers used non-lethal deterrents before the shootings. They installed fladry fencing, fox lights, and noise makers. They increased human presence day and night. Ranchers removed old bones, buried carcass pits, and relocated cattle to reduce attractants.
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Despite these efforts, attacks continued. CPW said the wolf’s behavior met the criteria for “chronic depredation.” That standard is three or more livestock attacks within 30 days by the same wolf or pack.
Officers decided to kill the wolf to protect ranchers’ herds. They lured it with electronic calls and sounds from a live calf. CPW said they fired one shot to kill it quickly and humanely.
CPW Director Jeff Davis said the decision was difficult but necessary.
“The decision to take lethal management action was very difficult,” said Davis. “Our wildlife biologists and officers constructed a timeline of recent events that shows the depredation behavior met the conditions for chronic depredation that were defined earlier this year.
“We have great respect for these animals and take the removal of a wolf very seriously,” he added. “Removal of problem animals is unfortunate and rare, but consistent with the Colorado Wolf Restoration and Management Plan.
CPW wants to prevent wolves from targeting livestock as a primary food source. Officials hope this removal changes the pack’s behavior.
Wildlife managers will keep monitoring the Copper Creek Pack. They will see if the remaining wolves return to hunting natural prey. CPW said most wolves in Colorado still avoid livestock.
The state remains committed to wolf restoration and rancher support. Killing wolves without approval remains illegal under state and federal law.
Livestock producers can apply for compensation for confirmed wolf-related losses.
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I really don’t see how that decision about “Lethal management action” should have been “difficult”.
They KNEW this would happen, how could they not, they ARE the experts.
So really, who’s running the show here?
Real men and women who realize that such occurrences would happen and must be dealt with in an objective manner?
They are animals, yes we respect nature and take care of it, but in the end, PROFESSIONALS should be making decisions for the whole of nature, not one single species.
This angst over one wolf is just childish.
Who are the “PROFESSIONALS”, especially in Colorado? I would also ask the PROFESSIONALS how much the actual cost to the Colorado taxpayers will be in the next ten years (it kind of resembles a cost overrun on a government contract). Like Reagan said about the nine words people hate, “I’m from the government and I’m here to help”.