Tensions Rise as Gray Wolf Is Killed in Colorado Ranching Area

A wolf from the Copper Creek Pack was lethally removed in Pitkin County, Colorado, this week by officials. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, gray wolf 2405 was killed after numerous confirmed depredations occurred in a matter of days.

Lethal Action Taken After Exhausting Non-Lethal Measures

The press release from Colorado Parks and Wildlife says that the wolf was removed by lethal force on the evening of Thursday, May 29, after all non-lethal measures were exhausted.

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Four confirmed depredation events took place between May 17-25. Collar data cross-referencing was used and gave clear evidence that the gray wolf from the Copper Creek Pack was in the area.

Attacks on Livestock Spark Removal Decision

All four of the incidents occurred on private property. These incidents resulted in the death of two calves, injury to three calves, and injury to an adult cow. Colorado Parks and Wildlife made the decision to remove the gray wolf on May 25, lethally. Officials got permission from the landowner to safely remove the problematic wolf from the area as soon as possible.

READ MORE: More Than a Dozen Wolves Relocated to Colorado in Second Release

Area ranchers and landowners took proper precautions after the depredations to remove carcasses, bury the carcass pits, and clear old bones or any attractants from the grazing areas. Cattle were also relocated, wolf scaring devices were used, and an increased presence of humans in these areas was maintained by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and privately hired range riders to deter the presence of wolves.

Removal of animals early in the restoration process is a balance between managing populations of wolves, while also assisting landowners in resolving ongoing conflicts with wolves. There are an estimated 23 collared wolves on the landscape in Colorado and this does not include uncollared wolves that we monitor and are reported in our minimum count in the Gray Wolf Annual Report. We continue to monitor four potential dens so it is likely we have an unknown number of new pups that were born this year. We are developing plans for the coming year’s translocation efforts, so the wolf population will continue to grow, leading towards a self-sustaining population. We will also continue to work to minimize livestock conflict to the greatest degree possible.

Said Colorado Parks and Wildlife's Wolf Conservation Program Manager, Eric Odell, in the press release.

Compensation for Livestock Losses Available to Colorado Producers

Colorado livestock producers could be eligible for the fair market value of livestock killed by gray wolves if claims are submitted as recognized by C.R.S. 33-2-105.8.