Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) lethally removed three uncollared gray wolves in September after chronic livestock depredations. In early November, the agency shared completed final reports about the removal efforts.
The removals were conducted prior to CPW temporarily suspending its chronic depredation directive on Sept. 30. The temporary suspension requires CPW to evaluate any future wolf removals on a case-by-case basis using a conservative approach. The suspension came following concerns about the state’s wolf population numbers.
“The recent suspension of our administrative directive concerning chronic depredation does not remove our obligations to assist producers experiencing repeated depredation nor our commitment to the wolf restoration plan as well as the stakeholding that went into its creation,” said CPW Director Laura Clellan. “Going forward, we will continue to prioritize non-lethal conflict minimization and explore all such tools and techniques in our support of both producers and wolves, with lethal removal remaining an option if deemed absolutely necessary.”
CPW is revisiting the chronic depredation directive and plans to have revisions in place by the start of the next wolf biological year on April 1, 2027.
Wolf removals
CPW determined a livestock producer in Rio Blanco County experienced chronic depredation by gray wolves from the Three Creeks Pack between Aug. 21 and Sept. 5, despite implementing nonlethal deterrence measures. The producer experienced four depredation events involving 15 livestock (three ewes and 12 lambs) within 30 days, and two guardian dogs were also found injured while four others were missing. On Sept. 7, a USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Wildlife Services agent lethally removed a yearling wolf from the Three Creeks Pack.
Two livestock producers in Pitkin County were determined to experience chronic depredation by gray wolves from the Copper Creek Pack between August and September. Producers had implemented all viable, reasonable and effective nonlethal deterrence measures, CPW said. The two producers suffered four depredation events in 37 days, including a mature cow, a mature bull and two calves. On Sept. 7, following a three-day removal effort, an APHIS Wildlife Services agent removed a yearling male wolf from the Copper Creek Pack.
Four livestock producers in Jackson and Grand counties experienced chronic depredation by gray wolves from the One Ear Pack between August and September, despite following nonlethal deterrence measures. Following a removal in early August, CPW determined a second wolf lethal removal was warranted. The four producers suffered seven depredation events within 30 days, including six calves and one yearling steer. On Sept. 9, APHIS Wildlife Services removed a yearling female wolf. — Anna Miller Fortozo, WLJ managing editor
