In 2020 Colorado voters narrowly approved a plan to reintroduce gray wolves (Canis lupus) into the state. Since that time Colorado wildlife authorities have been working to make Colorado wolf reintroduction a reality by the end of this year.
According to Colorado Public Radio (CPR) the state still believes in can meet the goal. One of the biggest problems has been where to import the wolves from.
According to CPR:
“Travis Duncan, a spokesperson for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, said the agency is continuing discussions with its counterparts in Oregon and Washington to secure wolves. He added the agency has also sought wolves from a third potential source: the Nez Perce Tribe in Idaho. “
Oregon has an estimated 178 wolves. Washington has more than 200 and Idaho over 1,300. The Nez Perce tribe operates its own wildlife division and is determined to maintain the wolf on tribal land. The tribe numbers about 3,500 individuals and has a reservation totaling 750,000 acres. Nez Perce people are instrumental in efforts to expand wolf populations in Oregon, Washington and Idaho.
But all western states trying to reintroduce wolves are meeting serious opposition both legal and illegal. Oregon State Police have been searching for wolf poisoners. Eight wolves died and some other creatures were killed too. Despite rewards not arrests have been announced. A similar scenario played out in Washington and California. Whole packs have been poisoned.
Colorado voters narrowly approved the idea of reintroducing the predators to the state
. A great deal of opposition remained. The opposition to wolves is widespread. Colorado has had a controversial runup to the idea of Colorado wolf reintroduction.