Gray wolves once roamed across Colorado. Their presence declined significantly by the mid-20th century, leading to their near extirpation. Following a voter-approved initiative in 2020, Colorado embarked on a program to reintroduce these apex predators to their historical habitats. This effort aims to restore a missing component of the natural landscape.
Current Population Status
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) officially reported a minimum count of 29 wolves in the state as of March 31, 2025. This figure includes the initial wolves released and those that have naturally migrated or been born in Colorado. The reintroduction efforts began in December 2023 with the release of 10 gray wolves sourced from Oregon onto public lands in Summit and Grand counties. An additional 15 wolves were released in January 2025, brought from British Columbia into Eagle and Pitkin counties.
Since the March 31, 2025, report, CPW has confirmed that some wolves have died, while new pups have also been born. As of late August 2025, four distinct wolf packs have been identified:
- Copper Creek
- King Mountain
- One Ear
- Three Creeks
The King Mountain Pack has at least four pups, and the One Ear Pack has at least six pups, indicating early reproductive success within the nascent population.
Tracking Wolf Populations
Wildlife agencies employ various methodologies to monitor wolf populations in Colorado, with satellite GPS collars serving as a primary tool. These collars record the wolves’ positions approximately every four hours, transmitting this data via satellite to biologists. This technology provides crucial information on wolf movements, dispersal patterns, and the establishment of territories across the vast and rugged terrain. CPW utilizes this data to publish monthly maps that illustrate the watersheds where collared wolves have been active.
Public Sightings and Other Methods
In addition to GPS tracking, CPW gathers information from public sighting reports, particularly those accompanied by high-quality photographs or videos. This public input becomes increasingly important as the uncollared wolf population grows through natural reproduction. Wildlife officials also monitor den sites to confirm minimum pup counts and utilize remote cameras to gather visual evidence of wolf activity. Tracking an elusive species like the wolf across diverse landscapes presents ongoing challenges, yet these scientific methods provide valuable insights for effective management.
Factors Influencing Population Growth
Several biological and environmental factors influence the dynamics of the wolf population in Colorado. Reproduction rates are significant, with breeding typically occurring in mid-February and litters born around April. The confirmed presence of pups in multiple packs, such as the King Mountain and One Ear packs, demonstrates the population’s potential for natural increase. As the population grows, dispersal patterns become evident, with wolves traveling considerable distances to explore new areas and establish new territories.
Mortality and Reintroduction
Mortality also plays a role in population changes. Natural causes of death can include predation by other animals, such as mountain lions, or conflicts between different wolf packs. Human-caused mortality can occur through legal lethal removal in response to livestock depredation, illegal shootings, or vehicle collisions. The ongoing reintroduction efforts, which aim to release between 30 and 50 wolves over a three-to-five-year period, are a significant factor contributing to the current population numbers and its projected growth.
Future Outlook
Ongoing monitoring and management efforts are in place to support the developing wolf population in Colorado. Colorado Parks and Wildlife continues to track wolf movements and reproductive success, with annual biological reports providing updated minimum counts of the state’s wolf population. Additional wolf releases are anticipated over the next few years as part of the multi-year reintroduction plan. These efforts contribute to the long-term objective of establishing a viable, self-sustaining wolf population in the state.