Ranchers Watching: CPW Takes More Different Approach to Wolves Preying on Livestock
~Anne Boswell
The wolf population is Colorado isn't thriving the way that the Colorado Parks and Wildlife thought it would. So, you might've heard, they've suspended putting down wolves who are attacking livestock. According to the annual report on wolves for 2026, the CPW's research found that just 61% were surviving in the year 2025-2026. A plan had been in place that if it fell below 70 percent, they would review the plan.
CPW had implemented staff as range-riders who would monitor the wolf pack movements. They also said they want to continue to work with livestock producers to reduce conflicts between wolves, cattle, goats, sheep, and other livestock.
While some see this as a plan that hasn't worked well and isn't working well, a wait will be inevitable at this point. The CPW expects that it will be April of 2027 before a revised plan can be adopted.
Colorado voters approved the introduction of the wolf to Colorado through ballot legislation, proposition 114, in November of 2020.
Nov. 3, 2020, Proposition 114
You can read through the wolf report for yourself here:
CBS News, Christa Swanson
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after release was observed, then a re-
view of the capture, transport and re-
lease protocols would be initiated.
CPW determined that none of the wolf mortalities were due to any
of the capture, transport and release protocols and concluded further
review was not warranted
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