Colorado Parks and Wildlife Releases Wolves in Grand County
Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials release five wolves in Grand County, marking the first time a state has introduced an endangered species into the wild in the U.S.
A Moment of Re-wilding
Five gray wolves were released into the wild in Grand County by Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials. This marked the first time a state, rather than the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, introduced an endangered species into the wild in the U.S. The reintroduction of wolves is a result of Colorado voters directing Colorado Parks and Wildlife to reintroduce wolves to the Western Slope by the end of 2023. Joanna Lambert, a professor of wildlife ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Colorado, described the release as a moment of re-wilding and a step towards addressing the biodiversity extinction crisis.
Lambert highlighted the significance of this moment not only for the present generation but also for future generations. The release of the wolves offers hope and a chance to make a positive impact in an era of extinction. The event symbolizes efforts to restore balance to ecosystems and mitigate the loss of biodiversity.
The Release
The five wolves released in Grand County were captured in Oregon and transported to Colorado. The animals, two male and two female yearlings under 100 pounds, along with one older male weighing 108 pounds, spent less than a day in metal crates. Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials, accompanied by wildlife officers, witnessed the release.
The first release consisted of a 76-pound gray-and-brown male and a gray female. The male quickly darted out of the crate, while the female took her time to saunter out. The second release involved a 93-pound juvenile male and a 76-pound female. Both wolves eventually made their way into the forest. The last wolf to be released was an adult male.
The Future of Wolf Reintroduction
The successful release of these five wolves is just the beginning of Colorado's wolf reintroduction plan. The state plans to release 30 to 50 wolves on the Western Slope over the next three to five years. A second group of five wolves will be released in Eagle, Grand, or Summit counties in the coming months.
The initiative to reintroduce wolves in Colorado has not been without challenges. Ranching groups and environmental organizations have filed lawsuits, questioning the legality and potential impact of the reintroduction. However, the state remains committed to finding a balance between human interests and wolf conservation.
