Chronic Depredation Events and Removal Reports
Colorado Parks and Wildlife, with input from the Ad Hoc Wolf Working Group and in consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, has created an internal administrative directive defining “chronic depredation” and lethal removal considerations for gray wolf management.
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Lethal Removal Reports
Please see the Legal Standard information below, and refer to the CPW Wolf-Livestock Interaction Guide. The guide provides information on a variety of tools and methods available for livestock producers to employ in efforts to reduce the likelihood of wolf-livestock conflicts and establishes a framework for CPW’s response, along with available support from other state, federal and nongovernmental organizations.
Legal Standard
Parks and Wildlife Commission regulations require the Division to consider four factors when determining whether lethal removal of depredating gray wolves is appropriate under the circumstances: (a) documented repeated depredation and harassment of a producerʼs livestock or working dogs caused by the wolf, wolves, or pack targeted; (b) use of a variety of nonlethal conflict minimization materials and techniques; (c) likelihood that additional wolf-related depredation will continue if lethal control is or is not implemented; and (d) unintentional or intentional use of attractants that may be luring or baiting wolves to the location. 2 CCR 406-10:1001.C.1. These factors mirror those the Division (as a designated agent of the Service) must consider before carrying out harassment, nonlethal control measures, relocation, placement in captivity, or lethal control of depredating wolves under 50 C.F.R. § 17.84(n)(5)(v).
As explained in Administrative Directive OW-15, when a livestock producer has experienced chronic wolf-related depredation despite implementing all viable, reasonable, and effective nonlethal deterrence measures identified in a site assessment and removing any attractants that could lure wolves to the site, the Division will find the depredation is likely to continue if the wolves are not removed, the four factors above weigh in favor of lethal removal, and lethal removal is appropriate under the circumstances. Admin. Directive OW-15 at 2-3.
“Chronic depredation” means three or more depredation events caused by the same wolf or wolves within a 30-day period, provided there is clear and convincing evidence that at least one of the depredation events was caused by a wolf or wolves. Clear and convincing evidence is stronger than a preponderance of the evidence; the Division will find there is clear and convincing evidence a depredation event was caused by a wolf or wolves when the physical evidence leaves no room for serious doubt that a wolf or wolves caused physical trauma resulting in injury or death to livestock or working dogs. Wolves responsible for chronic depredation are “depredating wolves” within the meaning of 50 C.F.R. § 17.84(n)(4).
“Depredation event” means a 24-hour period in which the Division determines by a preponderance of the evidence that a wolf or wolves caused physical trauma resulting in injury or death to a producerʼs livestock or working dogs. The Division will find the preponderance of the evidence standard is met when the evidence shows a wolf or wolves more likely than not caused physical trauma resulting in injury or death to the producerʼs livestock or working dogs.
“Nonlethal deterrence measure” means a nonlethal action designed to discourage wolf depredation. When determining whether a livestock producer has experienced a depredation event despite implementing a particular nonlethal deterrence measure, the Division will consider whether the producer implemented the measure far enough in advance of the depredation event to be effective.
Featured Resource
Wolf-Livestock Conflict Minimization Program Guide
The Wolf-Livestock Conflict Minimization Program Guide provides information on a variety of tools and methods available for livestock producers to employ in efforts to reduce the likelihood of wolf-livestock conflicts and establishes a framework for CPW’s response, along with available support from other state, federal and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs).
Colorado Wolf Restoration
Wolf Management Plan
The primary goal of the Colorado Wolf Restoration and Management plan is to identify the steps needed to recover and maintain a viable, self-sustaining wolf population in Colorado, while concurrently working to minimize wolf-related conflicts with domestic animals/livestock, other wildlife and people.