Colorado’s Montrose County on Oct. 15 introduced an ordinance to prohibit the introduction of non-native species within unincorporated Montrose County, including Canadian gray wolves.
“We respect wildlife, but we also have a duty to protect our way of life, our economy, and our property rights,” said Montrose County Board Vice-Chair Sean Pond. “This ordinance is about local control, responsible stewardship, and common sense.”
Ordinance No. 2025-01 would prohibit the introduction, transport, release, support, facilitation or habitat establishment of non-native animal species within unincorporated county lines. Wolves from Canada introduced into the state are not native to the state, the county commissioners said, and the state’s original native subspecies was eradicated prior to the mid-20th century.
“I’m deeply concerned that the Canadian gray wolf, as an apex predator, poses a serious threat to federally protected endangered species that are native to Montrose County,” said Montrose County Board Chair Scott Mijares. If adopted at a second reading, the ordinance will become effective 30 days after adoption.
