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Colorado Confirms Reproduction of Gray Wolves
By Dave Shaffer
In a News Release just posted by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), the agency confirmed successful reproduction from two of the gray wolves reintroduced to Colorado in December 2023.
CPW biologists have been gathering evidence suggesting a male and female gray wolf pair have been denning, indicating reproduction. The collared female’s GPS points stopped uploading in early April and resumed uploading later in April. The points for the female’s collar showed a very localized position. CPW biologists interpreted this to mean that she was likely in a den, and therefore not in communication with the satellites, during the time when connectivity with the collar was interrupted, which aligned with the expected timing of wolf reproduction. At that point, CPW staff began diligently working to confirm the den and whether pups were present.
On June 18, CPW biologists confirmed one wolf pup in Grand County. The confirmation occurred during routine wolf monitoring efforts, which included attempted observations from the air and ground, remote cameras, public sightings, etc. There are no photos or videos at this time. Although biologists were only able to confirm one pup at this time, it is possible that other pups may be present, as wolf litters commonly consist of four to six pups. CPW staff will continue to monitor the animals to determine how many pups have been born to the litter.
Because these wolves have successfully reproduced, they are officially considered a pack. The pack name is the Copper Creek Pack. This is the first confirmed Colorado-born wolf pup since the voter-approved wolf reintroduction in December.
“We are continuing to actively monitor this area while exercising extreme caution to avoid inadvertently disturbing the adult wolves, this pup, or other pups,” said CPW Wildlife Biologist Brenna Cassidy.
CPW biologists and area staff will continue to monitor this pack. Staff will continue to work with landowners in the area to implement practices to minimize the potential for conflict.
For additional information on how to stay informed about wolves in Colorado, visit cpw.state.co.us and sign up for Gray Wolf Reintroduction eNews.
