Colorado Releases 15 Canadian Wolves in Next Phase of Reintroduction Effort

The voter-mandated initiative aims to restore gray wolves to the state, though concerns over livestock safety and staff threats persist.

Fifteen gray wolves from British Columbia were released in Colorado's Eagle and Pitkin counties last week as part of a state-led reintroduction program.
The program, approved by voters in 2020, seeks to establish a self-sustaining wolf population in Colorado over the next five years.
A mother wolf and her four pups, previously relocated due to livestock predation, were also reintroduced to the same area to aid population growth.
Opposition from ranching groups continues, with efforts underway to put a 2026 ballot initiative to halt the reintroduction program.
State wildlife officials withheld release details until the operation concluded, citing safety concerns for staff and the wolves due to threats and misinformation.