Idaho has rejected requests from Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) for the relocation of wolves, citing federal regulations and whether the wolves would remain in Colorado.
“After giving the potential effects of your request careful consideration and conferring with Governor (Brad) Little, I respectfully decline the request to use Idaho wolves as a source for translocation to Colorado,” said Jim Fredericks, director of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game in a letter to CPW.
Fredericks expressed concerns with disagreements over how wolves will be managed with the federal government giving Colorado more flexibility under the 10(j) rule, and the potential for future litigation.
CPW has also sent requests to Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.
“Idaho has declined to participate in providing wolves to Colorado’s effort,” CPW said in a statement to Colorado news outlet 9NEWS. “Washington’s Wildlife Subcommittee of their Commission has had initial discussions, and it is our understanding that the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission are continuing to consider whether they may be able to provide wolves to Colorado in the short term.”
