Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) reported a sixth wolf depredation since wolves were reintroduced into the state at the end of 2023.
On April 28, CPW reported the loss of a calf in Grand County. While CPW does not disclose the location of depredation incidents, rancher Conway Farrell told the Coloradan this is the fifth head he’s lost in 11 days to wolves. Farrell said he was “pissed” to have this on top of the usual stress with the calving season and that it “feels like you’re getting slapped in the face” every minute.
With a demanding schedule overseeing his family’s 3,000 head across multiple owned and leased ranches during spring calving season, Farrell finds himself balancing nights tending to his herds and collaborating with wildlife officials investigating wolf depredations. He said his compensation claims for lost livestock will stay active until the depredations cease, ensuring he receives fair market value for his losses.
The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) announced on April 30 that it was allocating $20,000 to the Middle Park Stockgrowers Association to fund nonlethal deterrents, such as nighttime patrols and range riders, aimed at protecting herds.
“By partnering with the Middle Park Stockgrowers Association, CPW and CDA are providing immediate support while also investing in long-term solutions through education and funding for non-lethal deterrents,” said CPW Director Jeff Davis. “Together, we’re working to protect both our ranching community and Colorado’s wildlife.”
According to 9NEWS, Tim Ritschard, president of the Middle Park Stockgrowers Association, was informed about a male wolf and a pregnant female wolf denning together in Grand County, raising concerns about the potential outcomes when the pups are born.
“I think the fear one year from now is—I don’t know how many pups she’s having,” Ritschard said. “Say she has four to six, and we have five to seven wolves running around killing livestock. So now instead of having one or two dead a day, we’re going to find seven, eight, 10 a day.” — Charles Wallace, WLJ contributing editor
