Colorado softens rules for shooting wolves attacking livestock

The decision was made due to concerns regarding the potential impact of diseases, pup survival, mortality rates, and uncertainty surrounding future releases on the growing gray wolf population. The previously active chronic depredation management directive has been temporarily suspended. The agency will now consider livestock removal requests on a case-by-case basis.

According to agency data, as of September 24, there were approximately 45 wolves in the state, including 20 pups born this spring. The department notes a high level of genetic diversity within the population, but points to risks associated with a potential infectious skin parasite in several wolves across two packs in northwestern Colorado, as well as anthropogenic mortality.

The directive, published in December 2024, allowed for the lethal control of wolves following three livestock attacks within 30 days, provided that livestock producers had exhausted all non-lethal methods of protection. The department now intends to revise this document and introduce amendments by April 2027. Alongside this, the agency is extending the herding season on pasture, continuing support for non-lethal conflict prevention tools, and paying compensation for livestock losses.

Representatives of farming communities express concern over the rising number of conflicts and the relaxation of predator population control measures. At the same time, wildlife conservation organizations have positively evaluated the agency's steps aimed at adaptive management of the reintroduction program.