Over Memorial Day weekend, a series of wolf attacks occurred in daylight in Colorado, leaving ranchers alarmed and livestock herds devastated.
At Lost Marbles Ranch in Pitkin County, three wolves from the Copper Creek Pack severely injured a calf after separating it from the herd in a monitored calving meadow. Nearby, Crystal River Ranch saw another confirmed wolf kill and a second injured calf. These attacks followed earlier wolf depredations in March.
Tom Harrington, ranch manager and Colorado Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) president, criticized the lack of communication and support from Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Despite the state’s celebration of its new range rider program, ranchers report critical failures in execution. CCA said many ranchers feel betrayed, citing broken promises of transparency, proactive protection and a refusal to relocate problem wolves, fueling growing frustration.
