Colorado's Wolf Reintroduction: Release Locations and Potential Challenges

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is scheduled to begin collecting wolves from Oregon on December 8. The current plan is to release these wolves in the counties of Grand, Summit, and Eagle in mid-to-late December.

However, recent concerns have been raised regarding the fate of wolves that naturally migrate into Colorado. A report by WyoFile's Mike Koshmrl reveals that wolves entering Wyoming from Colorado are being targeted and killed by hunters in areas where the species has minimal protection.

This raises questions about the potential risks that reintroduced wolves may face in Colorado, despite the state's efforts to protect them. It is important to note that most recent wolf activity in Colorado occurred just north of this circle, in Jackson County, which shares a border with Wyoming.

Considering that wolves have a roaming range of up to 1,000 square miles, it is plausible that the reintroduced wolves may venture beyond the designated release counties. If these wolves head north, it could pose challenges to Colorado's reintroduction efforts.

Furthermore, the chosen counties for reintroduction are popular destinations for outdoor recreation and backcountry exploration. This raises concerns among adventurous Coloradans about the potential increase in human-wolf encounters.

READ MORE:

• COLORADO RANCHER SAYS WILDLIFE AGENCY CONFIRMED WOLF KILLED 3 OF HIS SHEEP

• FIRST WOLVES SECURED FOR VOTER MANDATED REINTRODUCTION INTO COLORADO

• POTENTIAL DANGERS LOOM AS COLORADO PREPARES FOR WOLF REINTRODUCTION

• A NEW RULE ALLOWING WOLF KILLS IN COLORADO WILL ALSO GREEN LIGHT REINTRODUCTION

While wolves typically avoid human interaction, those venturing into the backcountry need to be cautious and aware of the potential risks. Colorado Parks and Wildlife has recently published guidelines on how to avoid wolf encounters and provided recommendations such as carrying a sturdy stick or bear spray.