Colorado Parks and Wildlife suspends lethal removal effort for uncollared wolf in Rio Blanco County

Denver – After an operation that lasted 30 days, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has suspended its lethal removal effort for an uncollared wolf in Rio Blanco County that met the agency’s chronic depredation definition.

The wolf was deemed responsible for repeated attacks on livestock. CPW staff looked in the area using drones and thermal imaging between January 24 and February 22. 

“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.”

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Since July of 2025, CPW has worked closely with the producers to implement the following nonlethal conflict mitigation tools recommended during site assessments conducted in early 2025. 

• Increased human presence by CPW Wildlife damage specialists, range riders, and herders.
• Night-penning 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.

CPW makes all wolf management decisions on a case-by-case basis after evaluating the circumstances, the Colorado Wolf Restoration and Management Plan, and relevant law.