Gov. Jared Polis (D) signed Senate Bill 24-171 into law on May 20, which gives Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) the authority to reintroduce the wolverine to Colorado.
“Today, we begin to add wolverines to the list of animals reintroduced to Colorado, ensuring Colorado remains the best state in the nation for ecodiversity and outdoor enthusiasts,” Polis said at the bill’s signing.
As long as wolverines remain listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act, the species will not be reintroduced until a final rule designates the species as a nonessential experimental population.
The bill also includes a provision to adopt rules for fair compensation to livestock owners affected by losses. CPW will also prepare a report on the status of the species in the state prior to their reintroduction.
