Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) took action over the weekend to relocate the Copper Creek wolf pack, consisting of a female and four pups, to Eagle and Pitkin counties. The decision came after careful consideration of the pack’s well-being and ongoing wolf restoration efforts in Colorado.
Details of the Relocation
On January 18th, CPW successfully moved the Copper Creek pack. Each wolf was fitted with a tracking collar to monitor their movements and ensure they adapt well to their new environment. The relocation was essential to help the pups learn crucial hunting skills under the guidance of the female wolf.
Addressing Wolf-Livestock Conflict
Davis from CPW explained the complexities of the decision, particularly in the context of wolf-livestock conflicts.
“Options in the case of the Copper Creek Pack were very limited, and this action is by no means a precedent for how CPW will resolve wolf-livestock conflict moving forward. The male adult wolf was involved in multiple depredations. Removing the male at that time, while he was the sole source of food and the female was denning, would likely have been fatal to the pups and counter to the restoration mandate,” Davis stated.
Factors Influencing the Decision
CPW considered several factors before proceeding with the relocation, including:
- The health of the wolves
- Timing of other planned releases in British Columbia
- The potential presence of new wolves in the area
These considerations aimed to ensure a balanced approach to wolf restoration and minimize potential conflicts with livestock owners.
Commitment to Coexistence
CPW reiterated its commitment to working collaboratively with livestock owners, communities, and state agencies to reduce wolf-livestock conflicts. The agency’s goal is to maintain ranching activities while simultaneously restoring a healthy gray wolf population in Colorado.
“Our goal is to keep ranchers ranching, while at the same time restoring a healthy, sustainable population of gray wolves to Colorado as mandated,” Davis added.
Enhancing Conflict Minimization Efforts
To support these efforts, CPW has expanded the resources available through the Conflict Minimization program. This expansion aims to provide faster responses to conflicts and improve the effectiveness of non-lethal measures during the 2025 season.
