A ballot initiative to introduce wolves into Colorado has been described in the WLJ (Dec. 9 and Dec. 17, 2019). However, wolves moved into northwest Colorado in January 2020 naturally without human assistance (WLJ Jan. 17, 2020). Wolves established populations throughout western Montana, western Wyoming, and northern Idaho by natural colonization following introduction of 67 animals in 1995-1996.
I think it is likely that wolves will colonize large parts of Colorado, as they did in these three states, without human-mediated introduction.
[inline_image file=”62df39ef9ed732c9d4a7455e1623798d.jpg” caption=”Figure 1. Numbers of cattle and sheep killed by wolves; and numbers of wolves killed related to livestock depredations by agencies and citizens in Montana 1990-2018 (from Inman et al. 20191).”]
A major concern is the potential for wolves to kill livestock in Colorado, as described in the WLJ (Dec. 5, 2019). Wolves prey primarily on wildlife (for example, elk, moose, and deer) but they also kill livestock. The experience in Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho, which have had wolves for 25 years, can provide some idea of what to expect in Colorado.
The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks reported on wolf predation on livestock in Montana from 1990 to 2018. The number of cattle killed by wolves ranged from less than 25 to about 100 per year and the number of sheep killed ranged from less than 25 to about 200 per year (see the graph). The number of wolves killed by government agents and citizens in response to livestock depredation was also reported, and ranged from less than 25 to about 150 per year. The number of wolves killed roughly tracks the numbers of cattle and sheep killed. This reflects the removal of wolves in response to their killing livestock.
Similar data are available for Idaho and Wyoming. For example, in Idaho in 2016, wolves killed 60 cattle and 13 sheep; and 70 wolves were killed in response to their killing livestock and to protect property. In Wyoming in 2018, 55 cattle, 15 sheep, and one horse were confirmed as killed by wolves; and 66 wolves were killed by agencies or citizens in response to livestock losses.
The numbers of livestock killed by wolves noted above are confirmed cases. There are many other cases that were reported, but not confirmed as wolf kills. Additional loss of livestock from wolf predation may go undetected, particularly on remote public grazing allotments. Therefore, the reported number of livestock confirmed as wolf-kills is an underestimate of the actual numbers of livestock lost to wolves.
It is important to note that some of the wolves in Montana were killed by citizens when wolves were seen chasing, killing, or threatening to kill livestock. Citizens were allowed to protect themselves and their property. Wolf management has been under state control since the wolf was removed from the Endangered Species Act (ESA) list in Montana in 2011-2017 (see the WLJ Feb. 18, 2019). Wolves in Colorado will likely be listed under the ESA, and will be under federal management whether they are introduced or colonize naturally. In this case citizens may not be able to protect their stock.
What you can do: Wolves will likely continue to spread in Colorado and be on the ESA list. State wolf management in Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming suggests that the state of Colorado can also competently manage wolves. State management can be effective in reducing livestock losses and allowing ranchers to protect their animals. Encourage your elected officials to support state management of wolves in Colorado that prioritizes protection of livestock and property rights. — Dr. Matthew Cronin
(Matthew Cronin was a research professor at the University of Alaska and is now at Northwest Biology Company LLC and an affiliate professor at Montana State University. He can be reached at croninm@aol.com.)
Inman, B., K. Podruzny, T. Smucker, A. Nelson, M. Ross, N. Lance, T. Parks, D. Boyd and S. Wells. 2019. Montana Gray Wolf Conservation and Management 2018 Annual Report. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Helena, Montana. 77 pages.
Decesare, N. J., S. M. Wilson, E. H. Bradley, J. A. Gude, R. M. Inman, N. J. Lance, K. Laudon, A. A. Nelson, M. S. Ross, and T. D. Smucker. 2018. Wolf-Livestock Conflict and the Effects of Wolf Management. The Journal of Wildlife Management 82(4):711–722.
Hayden, J. 2017. Surveys and Inventories, Statewide Report: Wolf January 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017. Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Virgil Moore, Director, Boise.
Wyoming Game and Fish Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, USDA-APHIS-Wildlife Services, and Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapahoe Tribal Fish and Game Department. 2019. Wyoming Gray Wolf Monitoring and Management 2018 Annual Report. K.J. Mills and Z. Gregory, eds. Wyoming Game and Fish Department, 5400 Bishop Blvd. Cheyenne, WY 82006.
Inman, B., K. Podruzny, T. Smucker, A. Nelson, M. Ross, N. Lance, T. Parks, D. Boyd and S. Wells. 2019. Montana Gray Wolf Conservation and Management 2018 Annual Report. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Helena, Montana. 77 pages.
Decesare, N. J., S. M. Wilson, E. H. Bradley, J. A. Gude, R. M. Inman, N. J. Lance, K. Laudon, A. A. Nelson, M. S. Ross, and T. D. Smucker. 2018. Wolf-Livestock Conflict and the Effects of Wolf Management. The Journal of Wildlife Management 82(4):711–722.
Hayden, J. 2017. Surveys and Inventories, Statewide Report: Wolf January 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017. Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Virgil Moore, Director, Boise.
Wyoming Game and Fish Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, USDA-APHIS-Wildlife Services, and Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapahoe Tribal Fish and Game Department. 2019. Wyoming Gray Wolf Monitoring and Management 2018 Annual Report. K.J. Mills and Z. Gregory, eds. Wyoming Game and Fish Department, 5400 Bishop Blvd. Cheyenne, WY 82006.
