CPW CAPTURES COPPER CREEK WOLVES – Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has successfully completed the capture operation for the Copper Creek wolf pack. The operation, which began on August 22, 2024, involved capturing all six members of the pack: two adult wolves and four pups. Unfortunately, the adult male, identified as wolf 2309-OR, was found injured and significantly underweight. Despite efforts to help, the wolf later died due to his injuries, and a necropsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death.
The capture is part of CPW’s broader wolf restoration and management efforts, which aim to balance the reintroduction of wolves into Colorado with the protection of livestock and minimizing human-wolf conflicts. As part of these efforts, the remaining wolves in the pack, including the adult female and the pups, are being evaluated to ensure they are in good health before being re-released into the wild.
The operation is significant in the context of wolf restoration in Colorado, which has seen increased attention in recent years following the passage of Proposition 114. The proposition, approved by voters in 2020, requires the state to reintroduce wolves in certain areas by the end of 2023. CPW’s ongoing management, including operations like these, is designed to ensure that wolf populations are restored in a way that is sustainable and minimizes conflict with local agricultural communities.
The agency will continue to monitor the remaining wolves and release updates on their condition and future management strategies. The public can stay informed about these developments through CPW’s official channels.
For more information, you can visit Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
