Colorado's wolf population is growing — and so are ranchers' concerns
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Five wolf packs are now confirmed in Colorado. Photo: Jason Connolly/AFP via Getty Images
State wildlife officials confirmed a new gray wolf pack in Eagle County and a boom in pups this year, marking a major milestone for Colorado's controversial wolf reintroduction program.
Why it matters: The voter-approved effort, launched in December 2023, is entering a new phase as breeding packs become established — exactly what wildlife officials hoped for and ranchers have long feared.
Driving the news: Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) on Wednesday recognized the formation of the Piney Ridge Pack, bringing the state's total to five packs — four of which have reproduced this year.
- With litters typically averaging four to six pups, the apex predator's population could grow quickly.
By the numbers: As of March, CPW counted 32 collared wolves. One has since died, leaving 31, agency officials tell Axios.
- CPW estimates roughly half of the state's known wolves were relocated here, while the rest were born in Colorado. It's unclear how many uncollared wolves are roaming the state.
What they're saying: The new pack represents "a moment of great success," Brenna Cassidy, CPW's wolf monitoring and data coordinator, tells Axios Denver.
- Wolves in established packs tend to survive longer and behave more predictably as they defend territories, Cassidy says.
- That can help wildlife managers focus on conflict-prevention tools such as range riders, fladry fencing and scare devices.
The other side: Ranchers fiercely reject CPW's optimism, arguing officials aren't paying attention to realities on the ground.
- "As soon as you start having a pack — big problem," Jackson County rancher Don Gittleson, whose herd suffered Colorado's first confirmed wolf depredation, tells Axios.
- A lone female near his cattle caused little trouble — until she found a mate, he says. "They had pups, then we had problems."
- Ranchers argue livestock attacks can increase as adult wolves feed their pups and teach them to hunt. The highly intelligent creatures quickly learn that cattle and sheep require less energy to catch than elk or deer.
Friction point: Harold Unwin, president of the Colorado Independent CattleGrowers Association, also criticized CPW for a lack of transparency, leaving the agricultural community in the dark about where exactly these wolves are roaming.
- "They're not really telling where they're releasing. They say, 'Oh, it's in Eagle County.' But is it really true?"
What's next: As pups emerge from their dens and begin traveling with their packs, their caloric needs will skyrocket — a period ranchers fear could bring more conflicts.
What we're watching: The state is "exploring" plans to release more gray wolves into Colorado after reintroduction efforts were halted last year amid the Trump administration's threats to take over the program, agency spokesperson Luke Perkins tells Axios.
- CPW expects to release an updated statewide wolf count next spring.