Colorado Getting Busy Importing Wolves from British Columbia

Despite being handed a hefty bill from a select few ranchers last week, Colorado officials continue to double down on wolves. After finding a new suitor and supplier of wolves, Colorado wildlife officers have already begun the process of capturing wolves north of the border and getting them ready for importation.

Following the denial of a petition and the ranchers demands for over $580,000 worth of damages, Colorado’s wildlife commission is planning on releasing their newfound wolves along the state’s Western Slope. The agreement that has since been solidified with the western Canadian province allows for the capture of up to 15 of British Columbia’s estimated 11,000-plus wolves.

Colorado livestock growers continue to grow weary of the state’s insatiable appetite for additional wolves, despite not being able to handle the ones previously released. Outside of depredation, ranchers have said that the presence of the wolves has affected their cattle, stating that cows are no longer spreading out into pasturelands and remain in a stressed state that has resulted in changing feeding habits and lower birth rates. 

In a move that, quite honestly, is downplaying the plight of local livestock producers, state officials are holding fast to upholding the mandate of voters to reintroduce wolves to the Colorado landscape.

“We remain committed to working with all parties as we continue to implement the law as passed by the voters,” Colorado Parks and Wildlife Director Jeff Davis said in a statement. “We have been working all year in preparation to have more wolves on the landscape with an improved Conflict Minimization Program, the addition of new staff to work alongside producers, strengthened partnerships, and guidelines for producers as it relates to chronic depredation and lethal management considerations.”

The plan remains not only to reintroduce 15 wolves this year, but every year after for upwards of five years. With three years already under their belts, so far the program has cost the state more than $5.1 million. 

Given the bills that were hurled at the state just last week, which could in itself bankrupt the state’s wolf depredation compensation fund,  it’s looking like that number is going to continue to swell for the foreseeable future.