Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission had rejected proposals on multiple occasions, including in 2016, 2004, 1989, and 1982.
Reintroduction passing was largely the result of votes from Colorado’s Front Range region, especially the Denver metro area, outside of where the wolves are being released.
Wolves put Colorado Agriculture Economy at Risk
24 confirmed livestock deaths from wolves have occurred since December 2023 – the unconfirmed number is likely higher.
State officials have already needed to recapture six wolves for relocation due to a series of attacks on livestock.
Colorado's agriculture and food industry generates $47 billion annually in economic activity and supports nearly 200,000 jobs.
A Growing Colorado Depends on Safe and Thriving Outdoors
Nearly six million people call Colorado home with an expected increase of 10% between 2020 and 2030.
The Western Slope, where wolves are being released, is home to more than a half-million people.
A 20-year study found that there is no evidence that reintroducing predators such as wolves into our ecosystem reverses any negative effect of their removal.
Colorado Farmers and Ranchers Are Speaking Out
In October 2024, an association of Colorado county governments, Colorado Counties, Inc., sent a letter to the state calling for a delay in the program.
In September 2024, a coalition of organizations representing Colorado's agricultural industry and Western counties filed a petition requesting the state delay further wolf reintroductions.
Doug Bruchez, whose family has ranched in Grand County for five generations, told the CPW commission, “The program is underfunded and unprepared for new wolf release.
The rushed reintroduction of wolves by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife is harming ranchers, livestock, and the wolves. It is time for a delay in the wolf reintroduction program. Make your voice heard, Join our coalition today.
