PRESS RELEASE
RBC |Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has suspended its 30-day operation to lethally remove an uncollared wolf in Rio Blanco County after the animal met the agency’s definition for chronic depredation.
CPW staff conducted a search of the area using drones and thermal imaging between Jan. 24 and Feb. 22 but were unable to locate the wolf.
“With no snow on the ground in the area and challenging terrain, we are choosing to suspend this effort,” said CPW Director Laura Clellan. “We are grateful to the producers who have been working with us at every step since depredations began in the area in July of 2025 and who have deployed multiple forms of nonlethal conflict mitigation techniques.”
Since July 2025, CPW has worked closely with local producers to implement a variety of nonlethal conflict mitigation tools, including:
Increased human presence by CPW Wildlife damage specialists, range riders, and herders.
Night-penning livestock in close proximity to a producer’s home with increased checks during the day and night.
Opportunistic hazing using scare devices, including air horns, fox lights, and propane cannons.
Producers also implemented the use of guardian dogs in addition to increased human presence.
CPW’s decision to attempt lethal removal efforts for the uncollared wolf was made in consultation with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and in accordance with applicable legal requirements, including the USFWS 10(j) rule. All wolf management decisions are made on a case-by-case basis after evaluating the circumstances, the Colorado Wolf Restoration and Management Plan, and relevant law.
