CPW updates list of potential counties for gray wolf releases

Rachael Gonzales
Northwest Region Public Information Officer
970-773-8587 / [email protected]
Twitter: @CPW_NW CPW updates list of potential counties for gray wolf releases

DENVER – Colorado Parks and Wildlife has updated the list of potential counties under consideration for releasing gray wolves during the 2024-25 capture and release season. The counties currently being considered are Garfield County, Eagle County, and Pitkin County. The update is the next step in the planning process as the agency assesses sites that meet the stringent criteria set out in the Colorado Wolf Restoration and Management Plan, as well as considers feedback from local elected officials and community members. 

Rio Blanco County was removed as a potential location as the next level of analysis was conducted due to the limited number of state-owned sites that adhered to the criteria in the plan and their proximity to livestock, elevating the risk of conflict, as well as the potential impact to elk and deer herds recovering from the severe winter of 2022-23. Another consideration was adjacency to existing wolves on the landscape. 

“We look forward to continuing our longstanding and productive relationship with Rio Blanco County Commissioners and landowners as we continue to elevate the importance of these communities and their contributions to Colorado’s natural resource outcomes and overall health to our state,” said CPW Director Jeff Davis.