The reintroduction of gray wolves to Colorado represents a significant conservation effort, restoring a native species to its historical range. This initiative aims to re-establish ecological balance. The return of wolves can influence prey populations and contribute to the health and biodiversity of various landscapes.
Designated Release Zones
The initial reintroduction of gray wolves in Colorado occurred between December 18 and 21, 2023, with ten wolves released onto public lands in Summit and Grand counties. These areas are located on the Western Slope, a region identified as suitable for wolf reintroduction due to its expansive habitats. Following this, an additional fifteen wolves were released in Eagle and Pitkin counties in January 2025. The selection of these zones considered factors such as sufficient prey availability, extensive suitable habitat, and areas with lower human population densities.
The reintroduction effort was mandated by Colorado Proposition 114, a ballot measure approved by voters on November 3, 2020. This proposition directed the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission to develop and implement a plan for wolf reintroduction west of the Continental Divide by December 31, 2023. Colorado became the first state where citizens, not the federal government, directly initiated wolf reintroduction. The legal framework also requires compensation for livestock losses caused by wolves.
The Wolves and Their Journey
The first group of ten gray wolves (Canis lupus) released in Colorado originated from Oregon. These animals were selected from various packs for genetic diversity. The capture process in Oregon involved using a helicopter and a spotter plane to locate and temporarily immobilize the wolves with darts.
After capture, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) veterinarians and biologists conducted thorough health assessments. This included weighing each wolf, taking blood samples, and administering necessary treatments and vaccinations. Each wolf was also fitted with a GPS satellite collar. The animals were then flown to Colorado, spending a limited time in transport crates to minimize stress before their release into the wild.
Immediate Post-Release Oversight
All reintroduced wolves are continuously monitored using satellite GPS collars. These collars are programmed to record the wolves’ positions every four hours, with data packets transmitted via satellite to biologists. This monitoring system allows Colorado Parks and Wildlife to track their movements, dispersal patterns, and overall adaptation to the new environment.
The initial goals of this oversight include assessing the wolves’ survival rates and how they establish new territories. CPW also monitors interactions with native wildlife and with livestock. This monitoring helps inform future reintroduction protocols and provides insights into program success. CPW regularly updates public maps showing collared wolf activity, contributing to transparency in the reintroduction process.