Colorado Braces for Mob Scene Over Proposal to Ban Sale of Trapped Fur

A proposal to ban the commercial sale of trapped wildlife fur in Colorado has become an emotional powder keg, with a vote expected Wednesday that could draw hundreds to a Denver-area hotel—and security checkpoints to screen for weapons.

The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission moved the meeting to a larger venue, the DoubleTree by Hilton in Westminster, anticipating a packed house. Attendees are warned they’ll face security and will be denied entry if they bring weapons, per hotel policy.

Animal welfare advocates, including the Center for Biological Diversity and Prairie Protection Colorado, petitioned for the ban in June 2025. They argue it’s not about ending trapping, but aligning fur with the North American wildlife management model that prohibits commercializing big game meat.

“If we shouldn’t have commercial markets for big game, it should be the same for all wildlife,” said Samantha Miller of the Center for Biological Diversity. She called claims of a broader fur ban “misinformation.”

Prairie Protection’s Deanna Meyer cited concerns about population data for species like swift fox, pine martens and bobcats. “I don’t think we should commercialize and incentivize more killing, especially if we don’t have accurate population numbers,” she said.

Opponents see a different agenda. Dan Gates of Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management said the commission is packed with “vegans and vegetarians” opposed to consumptive wildlife use. He called the proposal an “extremist” move and noted Denver voters rejected a similar fur-products ban in 2024, 58% to 42%.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife itself recommends rejecting the petition, stating it “lacks solid evidence that commercial fur sales drive harvest levels in Colorado.” The agency says it has no data indicating unsustainable harvests.

Colorado allows only cage-style traps, which Gates said has already reduced trapping. “The majority of fur harvested in Colorado is harvested by hunters,” he said.

The commission’s decision could come Wednesday afternoon, after what’s expected to be hours of emotional testimony from both sides.