Wolves moved from Eastern Oregon to Colorado kills calf, first deadly attack since wolves reintroduced
By Joe Hathaway on Monday, April 8th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
COLORADO – Colorado wildlife officials confirmed that a gray wolf that was moved from Oregon killed a calf on private land in Grand County this week. This is the first confirmed deadly depredation in Colorado since the state reintroduced the species in December, 2023.
10 wolves were moved from Union and Wallowa counties to Colorado as part of a deal the state made with Oregon, after voters approved an initiative in 2020 to reintroduce wolves to the Centennial State.
The local packs the Oregon wolves were relocated from included the Five Points, Noregaard, Wenaha and Desolation packs.
In a release, Colorado Parks and Wildlife says, “The livestock producer will be eligible for fair market value compensation if a claim is submitted. CPW staff will continue contacting producers in the area, and encouraging the use of appropriate non-lethal deterrents available through the agency. “
In a statement, the Middle Park Stockgrowers Association says, “While we cannot change what has happened regarding the most recent reintroduction of 10 wolves in December 2023 or the calf depredation this week, we hope these recent events will be a lesson in the consequences of hasty, unscientific, emotional decisions.”
