Colorado Parks and Wildlife Confirms Uncollared Wolf-Livestock Depredation in Jackson County

Description: Colorado Parks and Wildlife Released the Following Statement Regarding Livestock Depredation by an Uncollared Gray Wolf in Jackson County...

Confirmed Jackson County Uncollared Wolf-Livestock Depredation

JACKSON COUNTY, Colo. - On Feb. 5, CPW received a report of a possible depredation incident in Jackson County. A CPW wildlife officer responded and conducted a field investigation.

The field investigation found injuries consistent with wolf depredation on a cow. The wildlife officer conducted the investigation on-site. After partnering with outside agencies, the wildlife officer concluded that based on the preponderance of evidence the cow died as a result of depredation by a wolf.  

CPW damage specialists are working with the producer and neighboring producers to ensure they have the non-lethal conflict mitigation tools that best meet their operational needs and reduce the likelihood of future conflict.

The depredation is believed to have been committed by a wolf that is not part of the Colorado reintroduction effort and is not collared in the North Park area. CPW was able to reach this conclusion as no collared wolf data are present in that area. CPW has functioning GPS collars on all reintroduced wolves and two known wolves from a breeding pair that moved into the state from Wyoming in 2021. The uncollared fifth pup from the former Copper Creek Pack was confirmed to be in another location of the state at the time. The recently announced presence of a wolf in northwest Moffat County is also not believed to be involved in this depredation. The origin of the animal is unknown at this time. 

CPW relies on sightings from the public to let us know if other wolves are being seen on the landscape that have moved in from other states. This wolf movement is normal and expected. 

As the population of wolves increases in Colorado, the likelihood of pairing, breeding and pack formation increases. This creates territories that allow CPW to monitor patterns within a territory and will improve the agency’s ability to collaborate with ranchers on conflict minimization strategies to best protect livestock. The goal will then be to maintain at least two active collars per pack, so this current phase of wolf restoration is unique in that the majority of the wolf population is collared.

When it is known, CPW field staff inform local area producers when wolves are spending time in an area and work to establish site assessments to identify and deploy deterrence measures. Wolves without collars make this challenging, and relying on signs (scat, prints, etc.) becomes more important.

The public can visit CPW’s Confirmed Gray Wolf Depredation web page for further information related to wolf depredations and claim status. CPW has no further comment on this incident at this time.

The livestock producer could be eligible for the fair market value of the livestock if a claim is submitted. CPW provides reimbursement for damages caused by gray wolves to livestock defined in C.R.S. 33-2-105.8 and animals used for guard/herding purposes and provides conflict minimization materials to livestock producers in affected areas under its Gray Wolf Compensation and Conflict Minimization Program. Claimants are required to file completed claim paperwork within 90 days of CPW's receipt of the claimant's last notice of loss. The claimant may also elect to delay filing their claim up to December 31 for the year when the losses occurred.

CPW’s Wolf-Livestock Conflict Minimization Program Guide provides information on a variety of tools and methods available for livestock producers to employ in efforts to reduce the likelihood of wolf-livestock conflicts and establishes a framework for CPW’s response, along with available support from other state, federal and non-governmental organizations. Gray wolf management criteria and descriptions of available permits is also presented in the guide.

CPW will continue to work closely with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the agricultural community to successfully implement the impact-based management framework laid out in Chapter 5 of the Colorado Wolf Restoration and Management Plan. 

The gray wolf in Colorado is protected by both the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) and state law. Penalties for illegal take can vary and include fines up to $100,000, jail time and loss of hunting privileges.

Resources to learn about Colorado’s wolves
Stay informed about gray wolf reintroduction in Colorado by visiting CPW’s website and subscribing to our Gray Wolf Reintroduction eNews and follow our social media channels.

​Collared Gray Wolf Activity Map
Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s ​Collared Gray Wolf Activity Map​ provides information on where wolves have been in the past 30 days or so. The map is updated with new information on a monthly basis, produced on the fourth Wednesday of every month, and reflects data for the prior month, give or take several days. 

Related Content:

February 2025 CPW Gray Wolf Reintroduction Effort Update + Photo Gallery

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