First Calf Killed By Wolves Since Colorado Reintroduction
Colorado officials have confirmed the first wolf depredation of a calf since gray wolves were reintroduced in the state in December 2023.
A Grand County rancher found the dead calf April 2 and wildlife officials began a field investigation and confirmed the wolf kill on Wednesday April 3.
"The results of this investigation indicated wounds consistent with wolf depredation,” said Colorado Parks and Wildlife Area Wildlife Manager Jeromy Huntington. “The field investigation found multiple tooth rake marks on the calf's hindquarters and neck, and hemorrhaging under the hide, consistent with wolf depredation. Wolf tracks were also found nearby."
CPW also confirmed the wolf or wolves involved were part of the 10 animals that were reintroduced in December.
The wolves released in Colorado were from packs in Oregon that were known to have killed livestock in 2022 and 2023.
“The incident, which resulted in the loss of livestock, underscores the ongoing challenges faced by ranchers in managing conflicts between livestock and wildlife,” Tatum Swink, spokesperson for Colorado Cattlemen’s Association said in a statement.
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