Colorado wildlife officials have confirmed the first gray wolf depredation since the animals’ reintroduction in the state last December. On Wednesday, it was reported that a calf had been attacked and killed.
According to a news release from Colorado Parks and Wildlife, wildlife officials were notified on Tuesday morning about a potential depredation incident involving a deceased calf in Grand County. After conducting a field investigation, the agency confirmed that the calf’s injuries were consistent with a wolf attack. Additionally, wolf tracks were discovered in close proximity to the scene.
According to a statement made by wildlife manager Jeromy Huntington on Wednesday, the findings of the investigation revealed wounds that were consistent with wolf depredation. The field investigation discovered multiple tooth rake marks on the calf’s hindquarters and neck, as well as hemorrhaging under the hide, which aligns with the pattern of wolf depredation.
The agency did not mention whether the kill was caused by the reintroduced wolves in Colorado or the remaining members of the North Park pack. It is worth noting that the North Park wolf pack has been observed venturing outside its designated territory in Jackson County, with sightings of pack members in Grand County in recent years.
Ranchers argue that the presence of wolves poses a risk to their livestock, even though the state can compensate the calf’s owner for its fair market value in Tuesday’s attack.
First confirmed wolf depredation since December
Colorado Parks and Wildlife released 10 gray wolves onto public land in Summit and Grand counties between December 18 and December 22. This reintroduction comes three years after voters narrowly approved a ballot initiative for the wolves’ return.
Livestock depredation by wolves has been a rare occurrence since December 13, 2023. However, a confirmed depredation took place on Tuesday, marking the first incident in a while. A rancher from Jackson County reported an injured heifer back in 2023, but since then, there had been no further cases. Recently, several Jackson County ranchers have noticed the presence of the North Park pack amongst their cattle, suggesting potential concerns.
Colorado plans to release up to 50 wolves
In October 2023, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife revealed a one-year partnership with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, aiming to introduce gray wolves into the state. Under this agreement, Colorado intends to release a maximum of 50 wolves that have been captured from Oregon.
State officials are preparing to release a large number of wolves that were captured in Oregon. Their aim is to establish self-sustaining packs comprising 150 to 200 wolves.
According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, they estimate that around 30 to 50 wolves will need to be transferred over a span of three to five years as part of the wolf reintroduction efforts. Their goal is to capture approximately 10 to 15 wild wolves each year from various packs.
