Gray Wolf. Photo credit: John and Karen Hollingsworth/USFWS
Passing in November 2020, Proposition 114 - now state statute 33-2-105.8 - directed the Parks and Wildlife Commission to develop a plan to restore and manage gray wolves in Colorado, using the best scientific data available and hold statewide hearings to acquire information to be considered in developing such plan, including scientific, economic, and social considerations pertaining to such restoration. The statute also directed the Parks and Wildlife Commission to take the steps necessary to begin the restoration of gray wolves in Colorado west of the Continental Divide no later than December 31, 2023.
As we work to finalize and implement our gray wolf restoration and management plan, opportunities to attend live meetings with the Parks and Wildlife Commission and/or provide feedback online are available to the public.
Download the Draft Colorado Wolf Restoration and Management Plan
BORRADOR Plan de Gestión y Restauración del Lobo de Colorado (En español)
Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff presented the Draft Colorado Wolf Restoration and Management Plan to the Parks and Wildlife Commission (CPW Commission) at a virtual meeting streamed on December 9, 2022. View the recorded meeting on Youtube (4 hours).
Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff have worked across areas of expertise, scientific backgrounds and partner agencies to prepare this FAQ page in response to significant public outreach.
Get the answers.
CPW convened two groups to serve as advisory bodies to the agency as the Commission and staff work to develop the plan to restore and manage gray wolves in Colorado.
Learn about the Technical Working Group (TWG) and the Stakeholder Advisory Group.
State statute 33-2-105.8 directs the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission to develop a plan to introduce gray wolves in Colorado.
Learn more about gray wolf restoration and management.
What is the difference between the gray wolf and the Mexican wolf? Find out what makes them different and how they are managed.
Learn about wolves.
Find tips on identifying wolves, educational sessions on the reintroduction of wolves, and school/educator resources to help you better understand what it means to live with wolves.
View educational resources.
We want to hear from you!
Participate in a public meeting near you or submit feedback via our online form.
Find a public meeting near you.
Help Colorado Parks and Wildlife biologists monitor wolves by filling out the Wolf Sighting Form. Please provide a photo or video, the exact location coordinates, or other detailed information for confirmation purposes.
Submit a Wolf Sighting Form.
As the agency begins the planning and implementation process for reintroducing gray wolves to the state, we are dedicated to keeping the public informed and engaged throughout the process. To keep up to date, sign up for our Gray Wolf Reintroduction eNews and follow our social media channels.
To help contribute to the planning and restoration of gray wolves in Colorado please consider donating to the effort.
People often mistake large coyotes for gray wolves when recreating in Colorado. Learn the key physical differences between these species.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife invites you to watch recorded educational sessions to learn more about the wolf reintroduction planning process. CPW staff and invited guest speakers presented information about wolves and the wolf management plan to help educate Coloradans about the wolf reintroduction process.
Session 3: Wolf-Livestock Damage Minimization and Compensation
This educational session provided information on how states like Montana work with agricultural producers to prevent and reduce wolf depredation on livestock and how producers are compensated for losses.
Speakers: Luke Hoffman, CPW Game Damage Coordinator; Nathan Lance, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Wolf Management Specialist; George Edwards, Executive Director of the Montana Livestock Loss Board
Learn about what went into the considerations and the logistics for the reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone and Central Idaho in the mid-1990s through real-world experiences about establishing and managing wolves in the Northern Rockies.Speakers: Ed Bangs, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (retired); Mike Jimenez U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (retired)
A recording of Session 1 is available on YouTube. Learn about what it means to have wolves on the landscape, how experts from other states approach wolf management and how wildlife experts develop management plans for other species. Speakers: Diane Boyd, Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks(retired); Jon Horne, Idaho Fish and Game
Important Update: New amendment to the Stakeholder Advisory Group Governance Charter prohibits the audio and or video recording of Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG) proceedings and the livestreaming of such proceedings. Learn more about the amendment.
A recording of Session 1 is available on YouTube. Learn about what it means to have wolves on the landscape, how experts from other states approach wolf management and how wildlife experts develop management plans for other species. Speakers: Diane Boyd, Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks(retired); Jon Horne, Idaho Fish and Game
To help contribute to the planning and restoration of gray wolves in Colorado please consider donating to the effort.
