A growing number of Colorado ranchers are frustrated with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), claiming the agency isn’t providing timely or detailed updates on the movement of reintroduced wolves. Many say the lack of real-time data is putting their livestock at risk.
Frustration Over Limited Wolf Location Updates
The controversy over wolf reintroduction in Colorado isn’t just about the wolves themselves—it’s also about communication. Some ranchers say they aren’t getting enough information from CPW to protect their livestock.
CPW has fitted the wolves with GPS tracking collars but only shares general location updates once a month. Local rancher Janie Van Winkle believes this isn’t enough. “Right now, the lack of communication and lack of transparency has become a bigger issue than the wolves themselves,” she said.
CPW Defends Its Communication Policy
In response to these concerns, CPW said its approach to sharing wolf locations is based on safety—both for the animals and the public. The agency does not provide real-time tracking or specific locations beyond a monthly map. However, CPW officials say field staff do notify ranchers when wolves spend extended time near livestock.
Some ranchers say these calls are inconsistent. Van Winkle described situations where multiple ranchers in the same area received different reports within hours of each other. “A lot of times the information is delayed, and it becomes a trust issue,” she said. “If three of us within 4-5 hours are getting different information, that’s a difficult situation, and what that does is begin the rumor mill running.”
GPS Tracking Has Limitations
CPW officials say the tracking collars provide useful data, but they aren’t perfect. The collars record a location every four hours, and data transmissions occur just once a day. That means CPW can only see where wolves have been—not where they are in real time.
Ranchers Turn to Guardian Dogs
With limited tracking data, some ranchers are taking their own protective measures. Van Winkle said her ranch has invested in guardian dogs to deter wolves from attacking livestock. While effective, she notes it’s an expensive solution, adding another layer of financial strain on ranchers already dealing with the challenges of coexisting with wolves.
As the debate continues, ranchers hope for better communication from CPW, while the agency maintains its approach is designed to balance transparency with wildlife conservation.
