Colorado relocating wolf pack after numerous livestock depredations

“The decision to capture and relocate the Copper Creek pack was made with the careful consideration of multiple factors and feedback from many different stakeholders,” said CPW Director Jeff Davis. “Our options in this unique case were very limited, and this action is by no means a precedent for how CPW will resolve wolf-livestock conflict moving forward. The ultimate goal of the operation is to relocate the pack to another location while we assess our best options for them to continue to contribute to the successful restoration of wolves in Colorado.”

CPW said it is committed to fulfilling the will of Colorado voters to successfully restore the gray wolf population while meeting the needs of Colorado communities. “As we have throughout the implementation of the Colorado Wolf Restoration and Management Plan, CPW is working with wildlife biologists, federal partners, and producers to develop solutions that will reduce the risk of additional wolf depredations.”

Since 10 wolves were released in Colorado in December, 28 cattle and 11 sheep incidents have officially been reported, although there are several additional reports of livestock missing. Colorado Farm Bureau said the Copper Creek mating pair is believed to be responsible for killing at least nine sheep and at least seven cattle, including calves and yearlings, since early April.