Wolves to be relocated from British Columbia to Colorado soon
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials have reached an agreement to relocate up to 15 gray wolves from British Columbia this winter.
- Last December, 10 wolves were brought from Oregon, but three have died, prompting a reassessment of the reintroduction strategy.
- The ongoing wolf relocation efforts are part of a plan to establish a self-sustaining population while minimizing conflicts with livestock.
Colorado is set to receive a new influx of gray wolves from British Columbia, with plans to relocate as many as 15 wolves this winter. This initiative follows a previous relocation of 10 wolves from Oregon last December, of which three have unfortunately died. The remaining wolves from the Copper Creek pack, including a female and four pups, are being moved to a different area due to livestock attacks. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) aims to learn from past experiences to ensure a successful reintroduction. The CPW Wolf Conservation Program Manager, Eric Odell, emphasized the importance of applying lessons learned from last year's efforts to establish a self-sustaining wolf population in Colorado. The relocation is part of a broader strategy outlined in the Colorado Wolf Restoration and Management Plan, which was developed following a public vote by Colorado residents. In addition to this winter's relocation, CPW has plans to continue bringing more wolves to the state over the next one to three years. This ongoing effort aims to bolster the wolf population while carefully managing interactions with livestock to minimize conflicts. CPW is committed to avoiding the introduction of wolves known for repeated livestock attacks, ensuring that the reintroduction process is as smooth and beneficial as possible for both the wolves and the local agricultural community.