First Gray Wolf Pup Has Been Born In Colorado Since Their Reintroduction Into The State

Some exciting news as Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has confirmed the birth of a wolf pup from a pair of recently reintroduced gray wolves in Colorado. This newly established wolf family, now officially recognized as the Copper Creek Pack, marks a significant milestone in the state’s reintroduction efforts.

Over the last few months, CPW explained that location data from the newly released wolves’ GPS collars indicated denning by a male and female gray wolf.

On June 18th, CPW biologists confirmed the presence of one wolf pup during routine monitoring efforts, which included aerial and ground observations, remote cameras, and public sightings. Although no photos or videos are available yet, it is possible that more pups exist, as wolf litters typically consist of four to six pups. CPW staff will continue monitoring the animals to determine the total number of pups in the litter.

“The birth of this pup is exciting news; not just for their parents, but for their species and a global community. He or she represents hope, resilience, and love. Wolves can, and will, thrive – if only we let them,” Regan Downey, Director of Education for Wolf Conservation Center told WAN.

“Hearing about the new wolf pup in Colorado was a moment of pure joy,” Leslie Williams and Samantha Attwood, founding members of The #RelistWolves Campaign, told WAN. “Wolves once widely roamed in the state, and it’s so exciting to see them making a comeback. It’s a real testament to the conservation efforts that have led us to this point.”

This pup is the first in Colorado since the North Park Pack was established in the spring of 2021 by two wolves that dispersed from Wyoming and gave birth to a litter in Jackson County. Sadly, several members of the North Park Pack were legally shot when they crossed into Wyoming, and only two males are known to still be alive.

Prior to the North Park Pack’s litter, it had been nearly a century since wild wolf pups were born in Colorado.

In order to protect the new wolf family, CPW has not disclosed which of the released wolves are now parents or the location of their den. Among the 10 wolves released in Colorado, six are breeding-age females from various Oregon packs.

“We are continuing to actively monitor this area while exercising extreme caution to avoid inadvertently disturbing the adult wolves, this pup, or other pups,” said CPW Wildlife Biologist Brenna Cassidy.

CPW biologists and area staff will continue to monitor this pack. Staff will continue to work with landowners in the area to implement practices to minimize the potential for conflict.

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