Wild Wolves In Colorado

March 2006

Several weeks ago we received a phone call from the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW), checking to make sure none of our animals had escaped. They informed us that a wolf was spotted in the North Park area of Northern Colorado. This location is approximately 50 miles from us, as the crow flies. We informed them that all of the animals at the Sanctuary were present and accounted for and asked how sure they were that this was a wild wolf. They were cautious in their response, but indicated that it indeed looked to be a migrant from the Yellowstone Reintroduction.

Several days ago the DOW released the video tape of the animal to the media. The footage definitely appears to be a wild, free-ranging wolf. We celebrate this event with guardedly optimistic feelings. It is an outstanding event for the environment and the future of a healthy ecosystem in Colorado, but for the individual pioneering wolves who make the trek to Colorado, it could be their death sentence. Unfortunately this area is still very much a ranching community and we are sure that a high number of ranchers will shoot first and ask questions later.

This event furthers our resolve to kick our educational message into high gear. We believe that the more people we can reach with the realities of what wolves are about, the more individual wolves, in the wild, we can help to save.

You can view or download this video segment at:

http://wildlife.state.co.us/NewsMedia/Videos/