Wolf pack responsible for Colorado livestock attacks captured for relocation

Colorado wildlife officials announced on Monday the capture and planned relocation of five wolves, marking the first major action involving the newly formed Copper Creek pack under the state’s wolf reintroduction initiative. This significant step comes after the wolves were originally released from Oregon, a process met with considerable pushback from livestock associations.

Tragically, during the capture operation, a sixth wolf, the pack’s adult male, succumbed to injuries unrelated to its capture. This wolf had been implicated in several attacks on livestock, leading officials to contemplate its longer-term future if it survived.

The Copper Creek pack’s challenges underscore the complexities of the state’s ambitious campaign to reintroduce wolves back into Colorado, where they had been eradicated years ago through hunting, poison, and trapping.

The reintroduction initiative began in December when ten wolves were released, sparking immediate controversy among ranchers and wildlife advocates alike. The Colorado wolf management plan stipulates that relocating wolves often does not effectively address livestock predation, suggesting that other strategies, like using range riders and non-lethal deterrents, should be prioritized instead.

Despite this, officials determined that the female wolf and her four pups had not participated in any livestock kills, thus a lethal response against the pack was avoided. The decision to spare the pack reflects the ongoing efforts to ensure the survival and future success of wolves in the state.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife Director Jeff Davis emphasized the uniqueness of the situation, highlighting the importance of giving the pups a chance to thrive in their natural habitat. Future decisions regarding the relocation of the remaining pack members will be made after the pups grow and are capable of hunting independently.

Ranching representatives voiced strong opposition to the decision to relocate, arguing that simply moving the wolves would not solve the problem. Tim Ritschard, president of the Middle Park Stockgrowers Association, stated, “We know these wolves have been part of the killing, even though CPW says otherwise.” He expressed concerns that the pups would eventually need to be dealt with as they matured.

To support ranchers impacted by livestock losses, the state has a compensation program that pays up to $15,000 for each lost calf based on market value, aiming to alleviate some financial burden.

Conversely, wildlife advocates criticized the capture and urged for more preventative measures to protect livestock, such as electric fencing, which could help deter wolf attacks. Michael Saul from Defenders of Wildlife suggested that state officials need to implement policies mandating that all non-lethal strategies be exhausted prior to any relocation of wolves.

In reflecting on the situation, Saul remarked, “It’s the least-bad outcome from a really difficult situation,” urging Colorado Parks and Wildlife to work towards avoiding similar issues in the future.

In various regions of the United States where wolf populations are stabilized, such as the northern Rocky Mountains and the Great Lakes, it is common for wildlife officials to euthanize wolves following livestock predation incidents. Given that wolves are effective breeders, the impact of removing a few individuals from established populations is often minimal.

The voter-approved initiative to reintroduce wolves in Colorado passed narrowly in 2020, with future efforts expected to release an additional 30 to 50 wolves in the coming years. Some wolves have also naturally migrated into Colorado from neighboring Wyoming, further contributing to the growing population.

Advocates for wolf restoration maintain that the presence of these apex predators is essential for reestablishing ecological balance within Colorado’s diverse ecosystems.