Colorado Releases 15 Wolves Back Into The Wild And Restores The Copper Creek Pack

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) made a significant stride last week by releasing 15 gray wolves back into the wild in over three days. This marks the second of several planned releases under Colorado’s historic initiative to restore a thriving wolf population in the state.

The effort stems from Colorado voters’ approval of Proposition 114 in 2020, which mandates the reintroduction of 10 to 15 wolves annually—totaling 30 to 50 wolves over three to five years—to establish a self-sustaining population. The 15 wolves released last week were relocated from British Columbia, Canada, where they had no prior history of conflict with livestock.

“Like a majority of my fellow Coloradans, I’m thrilled to welcome our newest wolf residents to their new and rightful home,” said Alli Henderson, southern Rockies director at the Center for Biological Diversity. “This release is a big step toward righting the historical wrong of wolf extermination in our state and fulfilling the will of the voters who supported this restoration. Wolves belong in Colorado, and I look forward to the day when we achieve a self-sustaining population.”

This latest release faced opposition from the livestock industry, which petitioned the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission to pause the program. However, the commission upheld its commitment to voters, rejecting the request by a 10-1 vote.

Wildlife Director Jeff Davis emphasized the state’s adoption of robust measures to reduce conflicts with farm animals, including non-lethal management strategies such as carcass removal, range riders, and rapid response teams. These efforts align with data showing that wolf predation accounts for less than 1% of farm animal deaths, with the vast majority caused by disease and birthing complications. Colorado also offers financial compensation of up to $15,000 per animal for confirmed predation incidents.

In addition to the 15 wolves being reintroduced, CPW also celebrated the release of the Copper Creek wolf pack, which includes one young mother and her four pups born under the state’s reintroduction program. The pack had been in captivity since last summer, and their return to the wild marks a critical milestone in reestablishing wolves as a vital part of Colorado’s ecosystem.

This reintroduction effort gives hope for a future where gray wolves can thrive in the wild, restoring balance to Colorado’s natural landscapes. However, the re-release of the Copper Creek pack serves as a reminder of the challenges wolves face when ranching interests take precedence. Last year, this same pack was recaptured after initial conflicts, highlighting the importance of maintaining coexistence programs and prioritizing the long-term survival of wolves over short-term economic interests.

Historically, as many as 2 million gray wolves roamed North America, including vast parts of the contiguous United States. Government-sponsored eradication programs nearly wiped them out, reducing their numbers to fewer than 1,000 in the lower 48 states. Today, Colorado’s reintroduction program represents a vital opportunity to right this wrong and ensure wolves reclaim their rightful place in the wild.

Wolves are vital to maintaining healthy ecosystems, serving as apex predators that regulate prey populations and promote biodiversity. By preventing overgrazing, they allow vegetation to recover, which benefits countless other species, from birds to insects. Protecting wolves is not just about saving a species—it’s about preserving the natural harmony of the wild and ensuring that future generations inherit a thriving, balanced environment.

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