Reintroduction of Wolves in Colorado Cost Taxpayers How Much?

As we approach the first anniversary of the reintroduction of wolves back into the state of Colorado, let's look into how much the proposition has cost the taxpayers. Colorado Proposition 114 was a ballot measure in the 2020 election.

The proposition was narrowly approved a total vote of 3.2 million. Just under 60,000 votes in favor of the proposition approved the reintroduction of gray wolves back into the state of Colorado. Many Coloradans want to know, how much has it cost to reintroduce and maintain Colorado's gray wolf population.

Colorado Wolves Have Cost Taxpayers Millions of Dollars

The estimated cost versus the actual cost to the Colorado taxpayers is a lot. When we say a lot, it is more than double the estimate that was given to voters in the 2020 election. According to Outdoor Life, the cost of reintroduction and management of the gray wolf population in Colorado has amassed a total cost of $4.8 million in the first year.

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While this is in the total amount of funds that have been appropriated by Colorado lawmakers, it is still a big chunk of change for working-class residents to swallow. Especially those that were highly opposed to the reintroduction of the species in the first place.

The Denver Post obtained the financial information on the costs surrounding gray wolves coming back to Colorado via a public records request. This request shows that millions of dollars have been put into a planning and development program and administrative costs. Including $2.6 million for salaries, benefits, and wages for Colorado Parks and Wildlife employees working in the scope of wolf-related issues.

More than half a million dollars has been spent with contractors that assisted in the development of a wolf recovery program and the hosting of public meetings. More than $160,000 has also been spent on travel-related expenses surrounding the wolf population being reintroduced to the state of Colorado.

RELATED: More Wolves Being Reintroduced Into Colorado

The wolf population will continue to grow in Colorado as more wolves will be released into the wild by Colorado Parks and Wildlife between December 2024 through March 2025. Outdoor Life argues that the costs will continue to grow as more and more wolves are released into the state. More information on the spending surrounding the reintroduction of wolves in Colorado can be seen at outdoorlife.com.