Colorado wolf reintroduction suffers another loss as uncollared gray wolf dies

An uncollared gray wolf was found dead on July 27 in northwest Colorado, marking the fifth wolf death this year and the 15th since the state's reintroduction program began in December 2023. Colorado Parks and Wildlife said the cause of death is under investigation and will be released after necropsy results.

The agency previously reported a female wolf death in January, a June killing of an uncollared wolf linked to attacks on at least 22 sheep, and the loss of both breeding adults from the King Mountain Pack in Routt and Eagle counties. Colorado's wolf population was estimated at 32 individuals (18 adults, 14 pups) as of March 30, with 25 wolves collared. Half of the population remains uncollared. Four packs—Piney Ridge, One Ear, Copper Creek, and Three Creeks—had pups this spring, though exact numbers were not disclosed.