The question of whether wolves are native to Colorado has long intrigued residents and wildlife enthusiasts. These animals once roamed the expansive landscapes of the state, playing an important role in the natural environment. Understanding their past presence, disappearance, and recent return helps to complete the story of wolves in Colorado’s ecosystems.
Historical Presence in Colorado
Gray wolves were native to Colorado, historically inhabiting all major habitat types across the state. They were an integral part of the pre-settlement ecosystem, preying on abundant herds of bison, elk, and deer throughout the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains.
Disappearance of Wolves
The extirpation of wolves from Colorado was primarily driven by human activities, leading to their absence by the mid-1940s. During the late 1800s, market hunting significantly reduced their natural prey, such as bison, elk, and deer. This decline led wolves to increasingly prey on domestic livestock. Consequently, widespread predator control programs, including shooting, trapping, and poisoning, were implemented across the state, often supported by government bounties.
Reintroduction Efforts
Modern efforts to reintroduce wolves to Colorado gained significant momentum with the passage of Proposition 114 on November 3, 2020. This voter-approved initiative directed the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Commission to develop and implement a plan for reintroducing and managing gray wolves in areas west of the Continental Divide by December 31, 2023. CPW worked to create the Colorado Wolf Restoration and Management Plan, approved in May 2023, outlining strategies for establishing a self-sustaining population while addressing potential conflicts.
As part of this plan, the first 10 wolves were reintroduced to the state in December 2023, sourced from Oregon and released onto public lands in Grand and Summit counties. The plan aims to reintroduce between 10 to 15 wolves per year for three to five years, with an overall goal of 30 to 50 wolves for a viable population. Recent releases in January 2025 included 15 more wolves from British Columbia.
Ecological Role of Wolves
Wolves, as apex predators, exert an influence on maintaining healthy ecosystems through a phenomenon known as trophic cascades. By preying on herbivores like elk and deer, wolves can help regulate their populations and alter their grazing patterns. This can lead to the recovery of vegetation, such as aspen and willow trees, which are often over-browsed when herbivore populations are unchecked.
The regeneration of these plant communities can, in turn, benefit other species by providing improved habitat for birds and beavers. Reintroducing wolves is expected to contribute to increased biodiversity and ecosystem resilience in Colorado, restoring a more natural balance to the state’s wilderness areas.