Startling new data from Colorado has revealed that gray wolves are venturing closer to the urban fringes of Denver, following the state's controversial predator reintroduction programme.
Wolf Movements Mapped
An official map released by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has illuminated the predators' expanding range. The data, collected between late October and November, confirmed that collared gray wolves were detected within the Denver metropolitan area.
CPW currently monitors the movements of 20 gray wolves fitted with GPS collars. The tracking information indicates that at least one of these animals was spotted skirting near Denver, while others travelled as far north as the border with Wyoming. The wolves have also been recorded journeying to watersheds near Boulder, with significant activity noted around the Continental Divide and the popular ski resort of Aspen. Officials added that the creatures have been observed near Colorado's tribal lands.
Impact on Livestock and Ranchers
The primary purpose of the public map is to assist livestock producers and the public in tracking wolf movements to better protect their animals and pets. While gray wolves are not typically a direct threat to humans, they pose a serious risk to livestock and domestic pets.
CPW states it is collaborating with ranchers to prevent conflicts. However, this has not stopped attacks from occurring. Over the Memorial Day Weekend in May, multiple ranchers in Pitkin County reported wolf attacks. At the Lost Marbles Ranch, wolves killed one calf and severely injured another. Other farms in the vicinity also suffered animal losses.
As part of the reintroduction scheme, CPW is supposed to alert ranchers when wolves are in their area. Rancher Tom Harrington, whose calf was killed, claims he did not receive an alert from the agency and was instead informed by a friend. He received an official call from CPW only the day after the attack. Harrington described the scene, stating his calf had been 'gutted like a fish.' He told The Colorado Sun, 'He was clean. There was nothing left inside. And he was a big, healthy calf, around 180 to 200 pounds.'
The Reintroduction Programme Continues
Colorado began its wolf reintroduction efforts in 2023, initially releasing 10 animals into the wild. In a second wave this January, 15 wolves were relocated from British Columbia, Canada, and released into Eagle and Pitkin Counties. This group consisted of seven males and three females.
The state's plan involves at least one more round of reintroduction, with the possibility of up to five rounds in total. The ultimate goal is to establish a stable population of 30 to 50 wolves within Colorado, a move that continues to generate debate between conservationists and agricultural communities.
