Gray wolf stalked south of Interstate 70 in Colorado for the first time

Tracking data from the collared gray wolf indicates the animal was moving in a watershed south of Interstate 70, Colorado Parks and Wildlife said Sunday morning.

The agency typically updates the Collared Gray Wolf Event monthly, but provided an update just nine days after the final map was released because this was the first time GPS data points have been released since wolves captured in Oregon were released in Grand and Summit counties in December. entered the interstate southbound.

In a news release, CPW said the move was expected and described gray wolves as “habitat generalists, meaning they can thrive in a wide range of environmental conditions and habitats.”

“Translocating wolves are currently exploring the Colorado region, and as wolf population numbers increase, some wolves will migrate to establish new territories,” CPW said.

Activity maps released to the public show the basins where animals were moved in the previous month. The map, released for the first time Sunday, showed wolf movement in eastern Eagle County and Lake County near Leadville.

Ten wolves from Oregon were released in two groups, all wearing GPS collars. Three of these animals died. Someone was found dead in Larimer County In April, possibly the result of a mountain lion attack.

The second died in SeptemberIts mate and four of the five cubs were captured near Kremmling because the adults were hunting animals on a single farm. Surviving members of the Copper Creek herd – named after litter confirmed in june – has been moved to a wildlife sanctuary and may be re-released in the future. Wildlife officials tried for 19 days to capture the fifth cub but decided this was it. It is safer for a 6-month-old wolf to remain in the wild.

Third collar on a man in Grand County Sent a death signal in September.

Wolves were reintroduced west of the Continental Divide at the urging of voters who narrowly approved Proposition 114 in 2020. passed mainly due to support from urban voters. Two other wolves from Wyoming had already established territory in Jackson County. Both of these animals are equipped with GPS collars.

The next promotional tour is expected to begin in December. 15 wolves from British Columbia He will be captured and released in Colorado. This process will continue for three to five years, during which time biologists believe a sustainable wolf population is defined as: state’s wolf management planwill be established.