$65,000 Reward Offered For Information On The Illegal Killing Of The Father From The Copper Creek Wolf Pack

In a heartbreaking development, it has been confirmed that the patriarch of the Copper Creek wolf pack was fatally shot last year in Colorado. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) is offering a $65,000 reward for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the individual or individuals responsible for the illegal killing. This announcement follows the results of a necropsy, which confirmed that the wolf, captured on August 30th, succumbed to a gunshot wound on September 3rd.

The loss of wolf 2309-OR is deeply impactful for both his pack and conservation efforts in the region. As the father of five pups born last spring, his tragic death is a significant setback to initiatives aimed at restoring local wolf populations. His absence disrupts the social structure of his pack, challenging efforts to maintain the genetic diversity and ecological balance crucial for the species’ recovery.

The Center for Biological Diversity has responded with a call for justice, offering a $15,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the poacher responsible. This adds to a standing $50,000 reward from other conservation groups, along with an undetermined amount from USFWS.

“It’s horrible to hear that a selfish poacher caused the death of the historic Copper Creek pack’s father,” said Alli Henderson, director of the Southern Rockies at the Center for Biological Diversity. “It’s common knowledge that wolves in Colorado are protected under the Endangered Species Act and that this wolf could not be lawfully shot. Gunning down this irreplaceable wolf was illegal and morally wrong.”

“The illegal shooting and prolonged suffering and death of the father of the Copper Creek Pack is a crime that impacts not just his family, but all Americans who value wildlife. USFWS and Colorado Parks and Wildlife must make an example of the poacher; people need to know that killing protected wolves isn’t tolerated in Colorado or elsewhere,” Regan Downey, director of education at the Wolf Conservation Center, told WAN.

As reported by WAN, the Copper Creek Pack was recaptured last August after being linked to several losses of cattle. According to documents from Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), some ranches either delayed or outright refused to implement additional nonlethal strategies that could have significantly reduced or even prevented the loss of cattle. The agency also noted that the wolves may have been drawn to the property due to the rancher’s refusal to bury carcasses, which were left exposed in an open pit.

The poaching of this patriarchal wolf is a stark reminder of the challenges this beautiful, misunderstood species face in the wild, particularly when they come into conflict with ranchers. Packs that are not strong enough to hunt wild ungulates, like elk and deer, often turn to vulnerable farm animals for food. This is compounded by inadequate non-lethal coexistence measures, such as guard dogs or range riders, to protect farm animals from predation.

“We are heartbroken that the father of the Copper Creek pack and one of the 11 wolves residing in Colorado, was hunted down and killed this summer,” Leslie Williams and Samantha Attwood, founding members of Team Wolf, told WAN. “Much like humans, the loss of a family member, especially a parent, disrupts an entire pack’s well-being and survival. We hope this tragedy will shed light on the continued unwarranted persecution wolves face nationwide.”

Team Wolf is calling for increased protections for gray wolves nationwide. The killing of 2309-OR is a somber reminder that wolves continue to be at-risk in the wild. Their role in restoring ecological balance is vital, and every loss sets back efforts to ensure their long-term survival. We must act now to protect these animals and prevent further poaching, ensuring that wolves can thrive in the wild for generations to come.

Anyone with information regarding the death of this wolf patriarch is urged to contact USFWS’ wildlife crime hotline at (844) 397-8477 or email FWS_TIPS@fws.gov. You can also report the crime HERE!

Take action and join Team Wolf’s pack to protect all gray wolves in the United States, HERE!