In Grand County, ranchers are asking Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) for over half a million dollars in compensation following the first year of gray wolf reintroduction in Colorado. The request stems from significant financial losses due to wolf attacks on livestock.
Financial Impact of Wolf Attacks
According to the Colorado Sun, the Middle Park Stockgrowers Association submitted a claim for $582,000. This amount accounts for damages from wolf and livestock attacks. The association emphasized that the losses could have been minimized if CPW had taken more decisive action against certain wolves.
The breakdown of the claim includes:
- $200,000 for cattle sold at lower weights than usual.
- Compensation for missing livestock.
- Losses from lower conception rates among livestock.
- Costs associated with injuries and necropsies of deceased animals.
These financial setbacks highlight the ongoing challenges faced by ranchers in areas where wolves have been reintroduced.
Petition to Pause Reintroduction
Back in September 2024, the same group of ranchers petitioned CPW to halt further reintroduction efforts. They argued that a more efficient framework was necessary to address livestock depredations effectively.
The current claim is seen as a continuation of their efforts to prompt CPW to reconsider its approach to wolf reintroduction.
Next Steps for CPW
A CPW spokesperson confirmed that the claims would undergo investigation and require approval from the CPW commission. The ranchers hope that the significant financial request will encourage CPW to pause the next phase of the wolf reintroduction program.
CPW’s upcoming meeting on January 8th will likely address these concerns, potentially shaping the future of the wolf reintroduction initiative.
