Colorado’s wolf pack faces scrutiny after cattle attacks
Colorado’s first wolf pack since the species’ 2023 reintroduction is under intense scrutiny due to multiple cattle killings in Pitkin County this summer. The Copper Creek pack, which includes two adults, three yearlings, and several pups, has been linked to the deaths of at least three cattle and injuries to three more across three ranches. This has led to calls from ranching groups for the pack’s removal, highlighting ongoing tension between wildlife conservation and livestock protection. ## What actions has Colorado Parks and Wildlife taken so far. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has responded by closely monitoring the Copper Creek pack, which formed in 2024 from wolves released in 2023 and supplemented by Canadian wolves in early
2025. After depredations last year, CPW removed the pack from the wild except one pup and placed them in a sanctuary. In May 2025, CPW shot and killed one yearling wolf linked to multiple cattle killings. Since then, no further confirmed depredations have been tied to the pack, though conflicts continue. CPW has also deployed range riders and non-lethal deterrents to reduce wolf-livestock conflicts.
Who decides whether wolves get removed from Colorado’s wild
The 2023 wolf management plan, approved narrowly by voters in 2020, delegates the authority to remove wolves from the wild to CPW rather than the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission. During a special meeting in August 2025, commissioners pressed CPW officials on their plans but refrained from making official policy changes. Several commissioners expressed reluctance to intervene in day-to – day wildlife management decisions, which CPW handles routinely for incidents like moose or bear conflicts.
Why Copper
Why are ranchers demanding the Copper Creek pack’s immediate removal. Three ranching groups—the Middle Park Stockgrowers Association, Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, and Holy Cross Cattlemen’s Association—sent a joint letter demanding the Copper Creek pack’s removal. They argue the situation is unsustainable, causing harm to livestock, wolves, and ranch families. The letter emphasized irreparable damage to the reintroduction effort’s credibility and called for immediate action, though it remains unclear if removal means relocation or euthanasia. ## How difficult is it to confirm wolf attacks on cattle. Confirming wolf depredations can be challenging, especially during summer when cattle graze over thousands of acres of rugged terrain. CPW area wildlife manager Matt Yamashita noted that investigating incidents is more complicated under these conditions, making it harder to definitively link every injury or death to wolves. This complexity affects management decisions and fuels frustration among ranchers who witness ongoing losses. ## What is CPW director Jeff Davis’s stance on the conflict. Jeff Davis, CPW director, acknowledged ongoing conflicts between wolves and cattle but stated that removing the Copper Creek pack is not yet necessary. He highlighted CPW’s efforts to work with affected ranchers, who have cooperated in deploying non-lethal deterrents and sharing their experiences. Davis emphasized that maintaining hope and cooperation with ranchers is crucial for the success of Colorado’s wolf reintroduction program.
What happened to the original Copper Creek pack members
The original Copper Creek pack formed from two wolves released in 2023 that mated and produced five pups, the first born in the reintroduction program. After depredations in Grand County last year, CPW removed the pack to a sanctuary, except for one pup that evaded capture. The pack’s patriarch died in captivity from wounds sustained in the wild. In January 2025, CPW rereleased the mother and four pups along with 15 wolves brought from Canada to bolster the population.
How Colorado’s
How does wolf reintroduction impact Colorado’s wildlife management. Wolf reintroduction in Colorado marks a significant step in restoring apex predators but presents complex challenges balancing ecological goals with ranching interests. The CPW management plan entrusts wildlife professionals with decisions about wolf removals, reflecting the agency’s experience handling conflicts involving other species. The ongoing Copper Creek case highlights the difficulties in managing coexistence, especially as wolves expand into private grazing lands and affect livestock.
Where Colorado’s
Where can citizens follow updates on Colorado’s wolf situation. For the latest information on Colorado’s wolf reintroduction and related conflicts, citizens can follow reports from Colorado Parks and Wildlife and local news outlets like the Denver Post. The Mile High Roundup email newsletter offers regular updates on wildlife and conservation issues statewide. Engaging with official data and community feedback helps foster informed discussions on the future of wolves and ranching in Colorado.
