Another Native American Tribe Agrees to Supply Wolves to Colorado, Fueling Controversial Reintroduction Program
In a move that has sparked further controversy, Native American tribes in eastern Washington have agreed to supply up to 15 wolves to Colorado as part of the state's highly contentious reintroduction efforts.
The agreement, reached between Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, has raised concerns about the potential risks and dangers associated with introducing apex predators into Colorado's ecosystem.
CPW Director Jeff Davis expressed gratitude to the tribes for their cooperation, calling it a "critical next step" in the reintroduction of gray wolves in the state. However, critics argue that this decision could have far-reaching consequences for Colorado's wildlife and rural communities.
Last month, CPW released the first batch of 10 wolves, captured in neighboring Oregon, as part of their plan to reintroduce up to 50 wolves in the coming years. However, wildlife officials have decided not to release any more wolves in Colorado this winter. Despite having the option to release five additional wolves this season, CPW has chosen to wait until December to assess the impact of the initial release and provide time for the agency to adjust to the increased workload.
This delay is also seen as an opportunity to allocate additional resources to support ranchers' efforts in minimizing conflicts with wolves, as proposed in Governor Jared Polis' budget for the next fiscal year.
Concerns have been raised about the lack of notice given to ranchers and CPW commissioners regarding the first release of wolves in the state. Wildlife officials and the governor released five wolves on December 18, with an additional five released in the following week.
CPW Director Davis publicly apologized for the oversight, acknowledging the need for improved communication and transparency.
READ MORE:
A RECENTLY RELEASED WOLF IS SPOTTED NEAR A COLORADO FAMILY RANCH
FOLLOWING COURT BATTLES THE FIRST CONTROVERSIAL REINTRODUCTION OF WOLVES IN COLORADO HAS HAPPENED
CONTROVERSY SURROUNDS RELOCATION OF WOLVES FROM OREGON TO COLORADO
POLIS LOOKS MORE TO THE PAST THAN THE FUTURE DURING HIS 2024 STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS
While Oregon granted Colorado permission to relocate its wolves, several other Western states, including Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, have declined to contribute to Colorado's reintroduction program. These states cited controversies surrounding the species within their own communities as the reason for their decision.
With plans to release between 10 and 15 wolves annually over the next three to five years, critics argue that the potential risks to livestock, wildlife, and rural communities far outweigh any perceived benefits.
The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, consisting of 12 tribes residing on a 1.4 million-acre reservation northwest of Spokane, Washington.