US Fish and Wildlife Bars Colorado Canadian Wolf Imports, Jeopardizing Reintroduction Efforts

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, under Director Brian Nesvik appointed by President Donald Trump, has directed Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) to stop importing gray wolves from Canada for the state's reintroduction program, citing a violation of the 10(j) rule which restricts wolf sourcing to the Northern Rocky Mountain states. This directive threatens Colorado's plan to introduce 10 to 15 wolves this winter, as neighboring states like Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming have declined to supply wolves, and Colorado had been relying on Canadian sources, particularly British Columbia. The wolf reintroduction effort, approved narrowly by voters in 2020 and initiated in 2023, has faced opposition from rural communities concerned about livestock attacks. The federal guidance marks a stricter interpretation of the reintroduction framework compared to the previous Biden administration's approach, potentially creating a sourcing deadlock. Colorado officials, including Governor Jared Polis's office, are currently negotiating with the Interior Department to find solutions to continue the program. The state's wolf population currently stands near 30, aiming to eventually exceed 200 under the management plan.