Colorado gray wolf activity expands across Western Slope

Colorado Parks and Wildlife reported that collared gray wolves continued to explore areas west of the Continental Divide throughout October. Activity was recorded in watersheds ranging from the northwest corner of Moffat County south toward Pagosa Springs, covering numerous counties including Routt, Grand, Eagle, and Archuleta.

As of late September, officials estimated the state's wolf population at 45 individuals, which includes 20 pups born to four packs in northwest Colorado this spring. The agency noted that the six-month-old pups are now capable of moving more broadly.

While the tracking maps focus on movement within Colorado, wolves traveling into neighboring states face different regulations. An interstate agreement allows for the capture and return of wolves entering Utah, New Mexico, or Arizona, whereas wolves moving north into Wyoming may be legally hunted in most parts of that state.