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Colorado Releases 20 Wolves In Second Round Of Historic Reintroduction

January 21, 2025

In a major milestone for wildlife restoration, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has announced the successful release of 20 wolves in Pitkin and Eagle counties.

This marks the second year of an ambitious effort to reintroduce a self-sustaining wolf population to the state.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife

CPW shared the update on social media, stating, "We just concluded our second year of wolf restoration efforts, including the release of 15 wolves from British Columbia, Canada, as well as the five members of the original Copper Creek Pack."

A Coordinated Effort Across Borders

The reintroduction involved capturing 15 wolves—seven males and eight females—from British Columbia over a six-day period. The wolves were selected from areas where they are routinely culled to support the recovery of caribou herds in the province. Transporting the animals to Colorado began on January 10, with careful planning to ensure their health and safety during the journey.

The five remaining wolves came from the Copper Creek Pack, which had been captured in September after its adult male exhibited predatory behavior towards livestock in Grand County. By integrating these wolves into the reintroduction program, CPW is giving them a fresh start while advancing conservation goals.

Tracking for Long-Term Success

All 20 wolves have been fitted with GPS tracking collars, allowing wildlife officials to monitor their movements, health, and adaptation to their new environment. This data is critical to understanding how the wolves establish territories and interact with local ecosystems.

Building on a Historic Beginning

This latest release follows the December 2023 introduction of 10 wolves from Oregon. CPW has committed to releasing between 10 and 15 wolves annually for the next three to five years. The ultimate goal is to establish a stable, self-sustaining wolf population in Colorado’s wilderness.

The initiative stems from a voter-approved mandate in 2020, reflecting widespread public support for wolf restoration. By reintroducing wolves, the state aims to enhance biodiversity and restore ecological balance.

The 15 wolves — seven males and eight females — were captured in British Columbia, given veterinary care and vaccinations, fitted with collars, and transported to Colorado in three groups of five over six days. pic.twitter.com/PlNfnr2rvl

— Colorado Parks and Wildlife (@COParksWildlife) January 19, 2025

A Win for Conservation

The return of wolves to Colorado is a significant step forward for wildlife conservation. These apex predators play a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems by managing prey populations and promoting biodiversity.

As Colorado continues this groundbreaking effort, the collaboration between wildlife agencies, conservationists, and local communities remains key to its success. With careful management and ongoing monitoring, the future looks bright for the state’s newest wolf population.

Stay tuned for updates as CPW’s wolf reintroduction program progresses, bringing both challenges and triumphs in its mission to restore Colorado’s wild heritage.