Colorado to Release Gray Wolves in Controversial Experiment
Next month, Colorado will officially launch a controversial experiment by releasing up to 10 gray wolves, as mandated by a 2020 state law. This move has sparked protests from opponents who believe that wolves pose a significant risk to humans and livestock. However, for many Americans, wolves symbolize a powerful connection to the natural world and wild places.
The reintroduction of wolves in Colorado was narrowly approved by voters, with most of its support coming from liberal urban residents who live far from the areas where the wolves will be released. The state plans to release dozens of wolves captured from Oregon over time, aiming to establish self-sustaining packs of 150-200 animals.
While many other western states already have healthy wolf populations, Colorado is home to only a few wild wolves due to their near-elimination in the 1940s. Wolves were among the first animals protected by the 1973 Endangered Species Act, which required the federal government to restore them to the landscape.
Michael Saul, Rockies and Plains field director for Defenders of Wildlife, called the return of wolves to Colorado an “historic ecological success.”
The controversy surrounding wolves stems from differing perspectives. Supporters of Colorado’s reintroduction plan argue that wolves are an essential part of the ecosystem and that humans had no right to exterminate them. They believe that safety concerns are exaggerated and that ranchers and farmers who lose livestock will be fairly compensated by taxpayers.
On the other hand, farmers and ranchers view wolves as a dangerous threat to wildlife and livestock. A single adult wolf can kill up to 20 elk annually, and ranchers worry about the additional costs of protecting their cows and sheep.
Relocating and managing wolves has been a complex process, with long-running court battles involving states, wildlife defenders, and the federal government. Currently, wolves in the Lower 48 states are protected from hunting under a federal court order. However, Congress is considering a measure to overturn this decision and give control back to the states.
Colorado had to obtain special permission from the federal government to create and manage the new wolf pack. After approaching multiple states, Oregon agreed to trap and relocate up to 10 wolves this year. The wolves will undergo screening for diseases and other potential issues before being transported to Colorado in sturdy crates. They will be released while wearing GPS trackers.
The exact locations of the releases will be kept secret, but they will generally be in a rural area of west-central Colorado on state or private land. The chosen area considers factors such as nearby human population, political support for wolves, and access to prey animals. The release area is also far from state borders and tribal lands.
While the release of gray wolves in Colorado is a significant step towards restoring their population, it remains a divisive issue. Proponents see it as an ecological success, while opponents express concerns about the impact on livestock and wildlife.
