Wyoming ranchers are expressing their concern as gray wolves reintroduced into Colorado have been spotted near the state line. The proximity of these wolves to Wyoming raises fears about potential conflicts with livestock and poses a threat to the livelihoods of ranchers.

While wolves in Colorado are federally protected and cannot be hunted or killed by the general public, once they cross into Wyoming's vast "predator zone," they lose their protected status and can be shot on sight.

There have already been reports of conflicts. In September, at least one wolf was killed after crossing into Wyoming, according to reports by ranchers and stakeholders. However, Wyoming officials declined to confirm the incident, citing an 11-year-old state policy that keeps the identity of those who legally kill wolves confidential.

Ten gray wolves have been released so far, with 15 more set to be released between December 2024 and March 2025. (Colorado Parks and Wildlife)

The reintroduction of gray wolves has been a contentious issue. These animals were nearly hunted to extinction in the 20th century, with the federal government deliberately infecting them with mange in 1905 and passing laws requiring their elimination from federal land. By 1960, they had been largely eradicated from their former range due to concerns about their impact on livestock and big game.

Despite the concerns raised by ranchers, Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokesman Joey Livingston expresses confidence in the agency's "buffer zone" policy. He cites scientific evidence showing that wolves released in Yellowstone and central Idaho in the 1990s moved substantial distances in the months following their release. Releases in Colorado were strategically located at least 60 miles from the state's borders with Wyoming, Utah, and New Mexico.

The reintroduction program in Colorado was mandated by voter-backed initiative Proposition 114, which required the development of a plan to restore and manage gray wolves in the state. Oregon provided the first 10 wolves, while an agreement with the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation will see 15 more wolves released between December 2024 and March 2025.

Opponents argue that some of the wolves came from Oregon packs with a history of attacking cattle, raising concerns about potential conflicts with livestock. The Colorado Conservation Alliance, a coalition of ranchers, hunters, and business owners, is actively working to halt further releases and has filed a lawsuit focusing on various concerns, including potential interactions with Mexican wolves and the spread of disease.

READ MORE:

• A RECENTLY RELEASED WOLF IS SPOTTED NEAR A COLORADO FAMILY RANCH

• ANOTHER NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBE AGREES TO SUPPLY WOLVES TO COLORADO

• COLORADO SENATE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE INTRODUCES "AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT REQUIREMENT" BILL

• CONTROVERSY SURROUNDS RELOCATION OF WOLVES FROM OREGON TO COLORADO

Howard Cooper, a Meeker, Colorado rancher, strongly opposes the reintroduction of gray wolves into the neighboring state. He is backing a lobbyist group that aims to prevent further wolf releases. Cooper's concerns are shared by Wyoming ranchers who are prepared to use all means necessary to defend their livestock. Jim Magagna, a sheep rancher, highlights the silver lining that once wolves cross into Wyoming, they can be legally removed as they are classified as predators.

While Colorado Parks and Wildlife maintains that they have been prepared for the arrival of wolves, not everyone agrees. Some experts argue that the reintroduction of wolves is necessary to balance the ecosystem and prevent further biodiversity loss. Joanna Lambert, a professor of wildlife ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Colorado, sees the reintroduction as a positive step towards addressing the current extinction crisis and providing hope for future generations.