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Colorado Wolf Deaths Mount Amid Reintroduction Efforts
19 Mar
Summary
- Fourteen gray wolves have died since Colorado's reintroduction program began.
- Investigation into the 14th wolf's death is ongoing with state and federal agencies.
- Over half of relocated wolves died in the program's first two years.
A recent gray wolf death in Colorado, identified as 'wolf 2310,' marks the 14th mortality since the state's reintroduction initiative commenced in late 2023. State and federal officials are investigating the circumstances surrounding this latest loss, with standard procedures including a necropsy expected to determine the cause.
This incident compounds concerns as at least 25 wild wolves, sourced from Oregon and British Columbia, have been introduced under the Colorado Wolf Restoration and Management Plan. However, the program has faced significant challenges, with reports indicating that over half of these relocated wolves have perished within the initial two years.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials have advised against overinterpreting the mortality rate given the short timeframe and small sample size, noting that early losses are not uncommon in wildlife reintroduction efforts. Nevertheless, each death intensifies scrutiny on the program.
The state's plan aims to establish 30 to 50 wolves over three to five years, with success defined by breeding pairs and pack growth. Despite this goal, state officials confirmed that no new wolves will be introduced in 2026, impacting the restoration timeline. Monitoring of existing wolves continues to understand mortality factors.
