CPW Kills Second Wolf from Copper Creek Pack as Livestock Deaths Rise

Colorado Parks and Wildlife Takes Action Against Gray Wolf Pack

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has taken steps to address a growing issue involving the Copper Creek gray wolf pack. The agency is currently in the field to remove a member of the pack after repeated incidents of livestock deaths. This action follows a similar decision made nearly two months ago, when a gray wolf from the same pack was killed in Pitkin County.

CPW believes the Copper Creek Pack is responsible for an attack on a calf in Pitkin County, which occurred in July. The agency confirmed that the calf showed signs of previous injuries caused by wolves before eventually succumbing to its wounds. However, the exact date of the calf’s death remains unclear due to the age of the injuries.

The recent actions by CPW align with guidelines set by both the agency and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regarding chronic depredation and lethal removal of wolves that repeatedly target livestock. Depredations, in this context, refer to instances where wolves steal or kill animals owned by ranchers.

This development comes after a calf depredation was discovered on July 18. CPW has been working closely with local livestock producers in Pitkin County to implement non-lethal conflict mitigation strategies, such as range riders and fladry. These efforts aim to reduce the likelihood of further conflicts between wolves and ranching operations.

CPW staff have been in the area since July 20, attempting to locate the wolves. However, the terrain presents significant challenges, and multiple attempts to get close to the pack have not been successful. The agency continues to monitor the situation and will attempt to intervene if possible.

The lethal removal of a specific wolf is intended to alter the pack’s behavior by discouraging them from continuing to target livestock as a food source. Additionally, removing this particular wolf could increase the chances of reproductive success for the remaining members of the pack.

Recent Developments and Ongoing Concerns

In late 2024, the Copper Creek Pack was temporarily removed from the wild due to repeated depredations in Grand County. Despite concerns from local ranchers, the pack was reintroduced to Colorado in January. Since then, there have been ongoing discussions about the potential for further conflicts.

Earlier this month, CPW held a special meeting to discuss the Copper Creek Pack. Lethal removal was a central topic during the meeting. Although no immediate decisions were made, the meeting included input from ranchers and wildlife advocates. Some participants suggested that the previous lethal removal had influenced the pack's behavior, but it remains uncertain whether the recent depredations indicate a shift in that behavior.

Garrett Watson, a representative from CPW, emphasized the goal of changing the pack’s behavior during the meeting. He noted that there have been no reported depredations since the last lethal removal, though he acknowledged the complexity of the situation.

Financial Impact and Broader Implications

CPW has already paid over $410,500 in compensation for wolf-related damage claims as of July 2. This figure highlights the financial burden placed on ranchers due to wolf activity.

Since the July 18 depredation in Pitkin County, two additional incidents have been confirmed in Rio Blanco County. When asked if these events were linked to a known wolf pack in the area, CPW confirmed they are unrelated.

The situation surrounding the Copper Creek Pack underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing wildlife conservation with the needs of local ranching communities. As CPW continues its efforts to manage the pack, the focus remains on finding sustainable solutions that protect both livestock and the natural ecosystem.