Another Reintroduced Wolf Dies in Colorado, Marking Sixth Death

A gray wolf released by Colorado Parks and Wildlife biologists in January 2025 (Photo: CPW)

Colorado’s ambitious gray wolf reintroduction program has hit another roadblock. On May 31, 2025, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) confirmed the death of a male wolf (designated 2507) in the state’s northwest region. This marks the sixth wolf mortality this year and the ninth since the controversial reintroduction initiative began in December 2023.

While wolf deaths are common across the Western U.S., these losses carry heightened significance due to the program’s contentious nature and the substantial financial investment by Colorado taxpayers.

Ongoing Investigations Into Wolf Deaths

As federally protected animals under the Endangered Species Act, all wolf mortalities trigger investigations by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Current probes include:

• A wolf found dead in Rocky Mountain National Park (April 20)
• Another mortality in northwest Colorado (May 15)
• The latest case involving wolf 2507 (May 31)

Authorities have not released causes of death for any of these cases as investigations continue.

Wolf Population Dynamics and Management

CPW officials maintain that current survival rates align with expectations for reintroduced populations. Travis Duncan, CPW spokesperson, explained:

“Dispersing, non-territorial wolves typically have lower survival rates, and that describes most of Colorado’s current wolf population.”

The state’s Wolf Restoration and Management Plan includes safeguards:

• Protocol review triggered if 6-month survival rates fall below 70%
• Current survival rate stands at approximately 80% (6 deaths among ~30 wolves since January)

The Bigger Picture: Colorado’s Wolf Reintroduction

This conservation effort stems from a 2020 voter-approved measure to restore gray wolves to their native habitat. Key context:

• Translocation Sources: Wolves like 2507 came from British Columbia
• Program Goals: Establish self-sustaining populations while managing human-wildlife conflicts
• Adaptive Management: Agencies continue adjusting strategies based on mortality data

Scientific advances in wolf genetics may inform future conservation efforts (Photo: Colossal Bioscience)

Conclusion

Colorado’s wolf reintroduction faces expected yet sobering challenges as the population establishes itself. While mortality rates remain within projected ranges, each death represents a setback for the controversial program. Wildlife officials continue balancing conservation goals with practical management realities as they work toward long-term species recovery.

Tags: Outdoor, Colorado, Wildlife Conservation, Wolf Reintroduction, Endangered Species