In an apparent blow to Colorado's cattle industry, a federal judge has denied their request to temporarily halt the reintroduction of gray wolves in the state.

Judge Regina Rodriguez ruled in favor of state and federal agencies on Friday, rejecting the industry's claims against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the state agencies involved in the wolf reintroduction plan. The cattle industry had alleged that the government failed to adequately review the state's plan to release up to 50 wolves in Colorado over the next few years.

Despite the ongoing lawsuit, the judge's decision allows Colorado to proceed with its scheduled efforts to search for, capture, and transport up to 10 wolves from Oregon, starting this Sunday.

On the other side, attorneys representing the U.S. government contended that all environmental review requirements had been met and that any potential future harms would not be irreparable, which is the standard necessary for the temporary injunction sought by the cattle industry.

READ MORE:

• COLORADO CATTLE INDUSTRY SUES OVER WOLF REINTRODUCTION

• COLORADO RANCHER SAYS WILDLIFE AGENCY CONFIRMED WOLF KILLED 3 OF HIS SHEEP

• FIRST WOLVES SECURED FOR VOTER MANDATED REINTRODUCTION INTO COLORADO

• COLORADO HAS AN UNINTENDED WOLF PROBLEM

This ruling marks a setback for the cattle industry's efforts to protect their livelihoods and communities from the anticipated challenges posed by wolf reintroduction in Colorado. As the legal battle continues, the fate of the state's wolf reintroduction plan hangs in the balance, with ranchers and wildlife advocates closely watching the outcome.