The debate over wolf reintroduction in Colorado is heating up again. Proposition 114, passed in 2020, mandated the return of wolves to the state’s western slope. Now, a new proposal seeks to halt the program after 2026, reigniting discussions over conservation, livestock protection, and public opinion.
Concerns Over Implementation and Execution
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) reports that 29 Gray Wolves currently reside in the state. But some critics, including Spencer Thomas, a co-signer of the new proposal, argue that the original plan was flawed.
“The reintroduction effort was a little ill-conceived, and certainly ill-defined and somewhat poorly executed,” Thomas said.
Supporters of the proposal to halt reintroduction say more time and research are needed before expanding the wolf population further.
Ranchers Raise Alarm Over Livestock Losses
One of the primary concerns surrounding wolves is their impact on ranchers. Many fear an increase in livestock depredation, though not everyone agrees on the severity of the issue.
Rob Edward, President of the Rocky Mountain Wolf Project, believes fears are overblown. “In those counties that have livestock, the annual depredation rate is less than 1/10 of 1%. More animals get killed by lightning and bee stings and other weather-related injuries as well as disease, than ever get lost to wolves,” Edward explained.
He also pointed out that ranchers receive compensation for any livestock lost to wolves.
A Shift in Public Opinion?
When Proposition 114 passed in 2020, it did so with a slim margin—50.9% voted in favor. Now, Thomas suggests that attitudes are shifting.
“They’re beginning to see that predation is real. And they’re seeing what that means for the average rancher, and they didn’t really expect it was going to be quite that way,” he said.
With the proposal expected to appear on the 2026 ballot, Colorado voters may once again determine the future of wolf reintroduction. Whether sentiment has changed enough to reverse the initial decision remains to be seen.
