Colorado-Released Wolf Killed in Wyoming Following Sheep Attacks

A gray wolf that was relocated to Colorado from British Columbia as part of a reintroduction effort was killed in Wyoming after it was found responsible for attacking and killing sheep on private land.

The wolf, identified by its GPS collar as male gray wolf 2505-BC, was put down by the US Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services on March 15 after five sheep were found killed in north-central Wyoming. The agency reported evidence at the site, including wolf tracks, bite marks, and carcasses showing signs consistent with wolf predation. One of the sheep had been heavily fed upon.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) confirmed that the wolf had been part of a group released in January as the second phase of the state’s wolf reintroduction program. The first release occurred in late 2023, with wolves brought from Oregon. The agency emphasized that the wolves captured in British Columbia had been sourced from areas without livestock to minimize conflicts. However, wolves are known to travel long distances in search of food or mates.

After the wolf was killed, its body and collar were returned to CPW. A spokesperson stated that the collar could be refurbished for future use and that the wolf’s remains would be examined for research and educational purposes.

While gray wolves are protected under the Endangered Species Act in Colorado, they lose those protections when they move into states where wolves are not federally protected. In Wyoming, wolves are classified as a trophy game species in the northwest corner of the state, meaning hunting is regulated. However, in most of the state, they are classified as predators and can be killed year-round without a license.

The incident has drawn criticism from wildlife advocates, who argue that non-lethal methods should be prioritized to prevent conflicts between wolves and livestock. Rob Edward, president of the Rocky Mountain Wolf Project, called the killing “senseless” and said it undermined Colorado’s efforts to restore wolves to the region.

Wyoming Game and Fish officials stated that the situation was handled by USDA Wildlife Services, and they did not provide further comment. Colorado Parks and Wildlife also refrained from commenting on wildlife management decisions in other states.

With input from Cowboy State Daily, Outdoor Life, the Denver Post, and Denver7.