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Gray Wolves in Colorado: Expanding Their Range and Impact
Recent data from Colorado’s wildlife officials indicates that collared gray wolves are venturing widely across the state, with some traveling into watersheds that extend toward the western parts of metro Denver. This tracking information, released this week, highlights the wolves’ extensive movement patterns.
Since their reintroduction, these wolves have been documented in watersheds that stretch from the Utah border in Mesa County to Hinsdale County in the south, and northward to the border with Wyoming in Jackson County. The activity map also reveals sightings in areas of high human population density, including Boulder, Jefferson, and Douglas counties. However, officials from Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) emphasize that these sightings do not imply the wolves are frequenting urban environments.
“While these regions showed increased activity along the western edges of the watersheds, it doesn’t equate to direct presence in densely populated areas,” CPW stated in a recent update.
The release of this month’s map experienced a slight delay, with CPW noting that such postponements are sometimes necessary to ensure the well-being of the wolves during sensitive periods like mating season. Although a specific reason wasn’t provided, this caution reflects the agency’s commitment to the animals’ safety.
The monthly tracking maps illustrate regions where at least one collared wolf traveled, though it does not guarantee that any wolf remained active throughout the entire area. A notable finding from last month is a female wolf that has traveled over 1,230 miles since her release in January, contributing significantly to the observed activity in southern watersheds.
The mapped journey documents a path that commences near Utah, moving eastward through several counties, including Montrose, Delta, Ouray, Gunnison, and Chaffee. CPW officials noted this remarkable journey as a testament to the natural exploratory behavior of the species.
To ensure the genetic integrity of the Mexican gray wolf, Colorado has established agreements with neighboring states—Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona—to recapture any wolves that migrate beyond state lines and return them to Colorado.
In a concerning development, the past month saw the deaths of two gray wolves in Wyoming. One was euthanized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services after being linked to livestock predation issues. Additionally, a third wolf was reported dead in Rocky Mountain National Park, with its death currently under investigation.
This ongoing monitoring and management of gray wolves are critical to their survival and integration into Colorado’s ecosystems, highlighting the delicate balance between wildlife conservation and human activity.
Citation:
Colorado’s gray wolves roamed closer to metro Denver, farther south in mountains (2025, April 28)
retrieved 28 April 2025
from https://phys.org/news/2025-04-colorado-gray-wolves-roamed-closer.html
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phys.org