Colorado has finally taken the plunge and begun reintroducing wolves to the state. The five wolves released recently are expected to carve out territory and bring the animals back to the areas from which they were driven. The first animals have been joined by another five, according to news reports.
If their enemies permit. Colorado reintroduction was heavily opposed. Reintroduction of Canis lupus is a hot button issues worldwide. In the last 50 years the predators have gone from general condemnation to a strong level of acceptance. But that acceptance is not universal. It appears that city dwellers are more likely to be favorable to returning the wolf. People who live close to them, or depend on livestock for a living, are far less favorable.
With good reason. These big canines do kill and eat livestock. France
estimates 15,000 head per year. Statistics in the United States are hotly debated. However, two wolves in Idaho terrified a flock of sheep. The animals ran in panic and died in a stampede. 143 died in one strike.
Defenders say the actual percentage loss from the wolf is small. Opponents say the damage in not evenly distributed. For smaller ranchers a few dead animals can be a disaster. And what of the sheep rancher who lost 143 in one blow?
There often are repayment options available for ranchers, but death by wolf can be hard to prove. Getting repaid is often not a speedy process. Colorado has a plan to offer loss repayment. Time will tell whether that helps the plan succeed.
Meanwhile, wolves have been poisoned in Oregon as wolf hatred continues. Colorado Parks and Recreation (CPW) has posted a webpage on the introduction. CPW promises to monitor the animals closely and assess the impact of the introduction. The re-introduction was narrowly authorized by Colorado voters. The release of the five wolves came just ahead of the Dec. 31, deadline. Ultimately, the plan calls for the release of up to 50 wolves in a several year period.