Colorado Parks and Wildlife pauses gray wolf lethal removal directive

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has announced a temporary suspension of its directive regarding the lethal removal of gray wolves involved in chronic depredation. The agency is shifting to a case-by-case, conservative approach to address concerns that population growth may stall before the end of the current biological year in March 2027.

As of September 24, the state’s gray wolf population is estimated at 45 individuals, including 20 pups. While the pup count is a record, officials noted that survival rates are expected to decline by the end of the biological year. Adult survival for the previous year was recorded at 61%, which is lower than the 75% typically seen in non-hunted populations.

In addition to population concerns, CPW is investigating reports of hair loss in two packs in northwestern Colorado. Biologists believe this may be linked to an infectious skin parasite that could further impact survival rates. The agency stated it will now consider factors such as reproductive success and overall population size before deciding on any future requests for lethal removals.