More Than a Dozen Wolves Relocated to Colorado in Second Release
Colorado Parks and Wildlife has announced the capture of over a dozen gray wolves from British Columbia have been released into the wilderness of Colorado. This marks the second year of reintroduction efforts for the species back into the state of Colorado.
According to a release from Colorado Parks and Wildlife, fifteen gray wolves were translocated from the central interior of British Columbia to Colorado. The wolves were captured over a span of six days. Seven males and eight females make up the fifteen wolves captured in Canada and relocated to the state of Colorado.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife Biologists carefully selected the wolves that met the criteria for the wolf reintroduction process set by the Colorado Wolf Restoration and Management Plan. Wolves that had major injuries, including nonfunctional canine teeth, missing eyes, fractured or missing limbs, and mange or lice infections were not chosen for the Colorado reintroduction efforts.
The gray wolves from British Columbia were selected from a specific area as they were not in overlapping areas where livestock was present. This means the selected wolves relocated to Colorado are believed to have not been involved in repeated livestock depredations.
Where were the wolves released in Colorado?
Colorado Parks and Wildlife released the fifteen wolves on three different dates in Eagle and Pitkin Counties. Five wolves were released on these dates, January 12, 14, and 16, during the evening hours. More information on the latest release of gray wolves into the state of Colorado can be seen at cpw.state.co.us.
Colorado is Home to One of the Largest Urban Wildlife Refuges
Gallery Credit: Nate Wilde
