Efforts Underway to Reintroduce Wolverines to Colorado's Rocky Mountains
Written by: Marlin Perkins
A century ago, the North American wolverine was regarded as a nuisance by settlers in the American West, leading to extensive efforts to eliminate the species from Colorado through trapping, poisoning, and hunting. Now, lawmakers and conservationists are spearheading an ambitious plan to bring them back to the state.
Senate Bill 24-171, “Restoration of Wolverines,” was introduced in the Colorado Senate on March 4, 2024, and assigned to the Agriculture & Natural Resources committee.
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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has listed the wolverine as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act in November, paving the way for its potential reintroduction to the high alpine habitats of Colorado. With its cold and snowy climate, the region provides an ideal environment for the wolverine to thrive and survive, according to naturalists.
Colorado boasts over seven million acres of suitable habitat, making it the largest unoccupied area for wolverines in the lower 48 states, according to Rocky Mountain Wild. This vast expanse of land could again serve as their long-term home.
Jake Ivan, a wildlife research scientist with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, expressed his optimism to The Guardian about the reintroduction effort, stating, "I think it gives us the best chance of restoring the population to Colorado." The last confirmed record of a wolverine in Colorado dates back to 1919, with the most recent sighting in 2009, according to the parks service.
However, reintroducing wolverines into Colorado comes with its own set of challenges.
To make this ambitious plan a reality, crews would need to trap animals in Alaska and transport them to Colorado. Additionally, the proposed bill must address concerns about the impact on ski areas and establish compensation rules for livestock loss caused by wolverines.
The classification of the wolverine as a non-essential, experimental population is crucial to navigate the legal requirements.
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While the bill's passage through the legislature is uncertain, the wolverine reintroduction efforts are moving forward. It is important to note that even if the bill is successful, it could take years of negotiations and planning before the wolverine officially returns to Colorado. Nonetheless, the commitment to these efforts remains steadfast.
As Colorado lawmakers and conservationists work towards reintroduction, the potential return of wolverines to the Rocky Mountains signifies a remarkable opportunity to restore the natural balance and preserve the balance of wildlife in the region.
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