The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has directed Colorado Parks to cease any gray wolf reintroduction efforts involving animals sourced from outside the federally authorized Northern Rocky Mountain areas. This directive was communicated through an official letter.
According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, while gray wolf reintroductions have shown ecological benefits, they also bring about legal and management challenges for both state and federal agencies. These programs must adhere to clearly defined federal frameworks, such as the Endangered Species Act, to ensure proper population tracking and legal compliance. Sourcing animals from unauthorized regions could lead to violations of experimental population rules and jeopardize cooperative management agreements.
Wyoming's 2023 annual report recorded 47 wolves removed due to confirmed livestock depredations across several counties. These incidents prompted targeted management responses aimed at reducing conflicts in agricultural areas and safeguarding ranching operations. The report further noted a total population estimate of 338 wolves in the state, indicating continued stability of the Northern Rocky Mountain population under regulated management.
The November 2023 10(j) rule from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service limits Colorado to sourcing wolves solely from the Northern Rocky Mountain population, which includes Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, eastern Oregon, and eastern Washington. This rule is designed to maintain genetic consistency and compliance under federal oversight. Any deviation from these sourcing requirements falls outside the authorized legal framework and could trigger federal enforcement action.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service enforces wildlife protection laws including the Endangered Species Act and oversees species recovery through scientific and legal protocols nationwide. It collaborates with states to manage experimental populations under section 10(j) of the Act, ensuring that activities like reintroduction, tracking, and management align with federal conservation standards. The agency also provides guidance to prevent violations of established recovery agreements.
