Colorado’s efforts to reintroduce wolves have hit a roadblock as another Western state, Idaho, has declined to provide wolves. The decision comes as a result of federal regulation and disagreements about wolf management strategies. Idaho’s Department of Fish and Game Director, Jim Fredericks, expressed concerns about the negative impacts of wolves on elk and deer populations and the lack of trust between various stakeholders involved in wolf management. Fredericks stated that Idaho’s experience suggests that the negative impacts of wolves sent to Colorado would not be limited to Colorado alone.
Colorado voters mandated the reintroduction of gray wolves by the end of 2023. However, Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials have not yet secured an agreement with a state willing to donate the first batch of wolves. They have reached out to Montana, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon, excluding Wyoming due to the governor’s opposition. Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokesperson, Joey Livingston, remains optimistic that a solution will be found in time to meet the deadline.
The Wildlife Subcommittee of Washington’s Fish and Wildlife Commission discussed Colorado’s request for wolves but did not reach a decision. Livingston stated that Colorado Wildlife officials plan to release 10 to 15 wolves annually on the Western Slope for the next three to five years.
Idaho’s decision to decline Colorado’s request is mainly driven by the challenges and conflicts associated with wolf management. The state has faced financial costs related to monitoring wolves, compensating owners of animals killed by wolves, and legal disputes surrounding the species. Fredericks emphasized the strain on relationships between different stakeholders critical for future conservation efforts. He expressed a willingness to provide wolves to Colorado if the species were solely under state management.
However, wolves in Colorado will be federally protected under the Endangered Species Act, which limits the flexibility of state wildlife officials in managing them. Colorado wildlife officials plan to request a designation that grants them greater flexibility in wolf management from federal authorities.
In conclusion, Colorado’s reintroduction efforts face challenges as Idaho declines to provide wolves due to concerns about negative impacts and the strain on existing relationships. Colorado remains determined to find a solution and meet the reintroduction deadline.
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Another Western state says it won’t send wolves to Colorado, citing ‘enormous price’ of managing the species (2023, July 24)
retrieved 24 July 2023
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