Colorado Wildlife Officials Take Action Against Gray Wolf Responsible for Livestock Attacks
Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials have announced the killing of a gray wolf from the Copper Creek Pack that was involved in four recent livestock attacks on the Western Slope. This marks the first time state wildlife staff have taken lethal action in response to attacks on domestic animals. Earlier this year, federal officials in Wyoming also killed a collared Colorado gray wolf after linking it to sheep attacks.
The recent attacks, which occurred between May 17 and Sunday, resulted in the death of two calves and injuries to three calves and one cow. The impacted herds, including Lost Marbles Ranch, Crystal River Ranch, and McCabe Ranch in Pitkin County, were identified by the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, sparking concern among ranchers and advocacy groups.
Rancher Mike Cerveny expressed his devastation over the attacks, stating, “It’s hard to describe the heartbreak of finding a calf torn apart in the middle of the field you’ve been tending day and night. We work tirelessly to protect our livestock, only to be caught off guard like this without prior knowledge of wolves in the area.”
Despite the difficult decision to resort to “lethal management” on the wolf, CPW Director Jeff Davis emphasized that it aligns with the state’s wolf reintroduction plan. Davis reassured the commitment to both wolf restoration and supporting Colorado’s livestock producers.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
Sign up for our daily Your Morning Dozen email newsletter for more Colorado news.
