Colorado Parks Wildlife Confirms New Wolf Pups from Reintroduced Packs

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has confirmed sightings of new wolf pups this spring as part of the state's ongoing voter-mandated wolf reintroduction program. Staff are monitoring four den sites using a combination of aerial and ground observations, trail cameras, and public reports, although the exact number of pups remains unclear due to the challenges of detecting young wolves in their secluded dens. This marks the second group of pups born since the reintroduction began in December 2023, following the controversial Copper Creek pack whose members were involved in livestock conflicts. Wildlife officials and advocates celebrate the births as a positive step toward restoring ecological balance, highlighting wolves' role in improving ecosystems and reducing human-wildlife conflicts. To support coexistence, CPW has implemented measures such as range riders, guard dogs, and non-lethal deterrents funded by the Born to be Wild license plate program, addressing ranchers' concerns. Despite the progress, the program has faced setbacks, including the deaths of eight of the 25 released wolves over 18 months.