In an unprecedented vote, Coloradans have voted to reintroduce gray wolves into their Mountain State. Just narrowly approved in November 2020, the stage is now set for the reintroduction of Canis lupus into the southern Rockies where plenty of suitable habitat remains for the apex predators.
Once expiated of wolves, Yellowstone is now one of the best places in the world to see wolves. Yellowstone is one of the best places in North America to see wildlife in general but be sure to plan around their mating and migration patterns.
Colorado's Decision to Reintroduce Wolves
Now the ballot has been (narrowly) approved to move wolves into western Colorado. The last time wolves were in Colorado was in the 1940s when they were hunted to extinction.
- First: This Is the First Time Colorado Has Voted To Reintroduce An Animal
The effort is to be led by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Department with the goal of establishing a sustainable population in the state. It is set to begin in 2022 or 2023. It is expected that the Southern Rocky Mountains will be able to support several hundred wolves - or even more.
- Southern Rocky Mountains: Has Millions of Acres of Suitable Habitat
- When: Begin in 2022 or 2023
- Vote Results: 50.9% Yes, 49.09% No
This vote comes after the gray wolves have been removed from the United States' endangered species list.
Long-term it is also thought that they may be able to move beyond Colorado into New Mexico. They may even be able to meet and breed with an endangered and inbred population of Mexican gray wolves in Arizona and New Mexico.
The Expiation of Wolves From the Lower 48
Wolves were once widespread through much of the Lower 48 but then they were killed and their habitat destroyed as settlers moved west. As their prey and their habitat were destroyed, they started to prey on livestock and so they were brought into conflict with settlers.
Much of the eradication of the wolves in the United States was government-sponsored. In the end, only a small population clung on in the Great Lakes region.
- Endangered Species List: Wolves Listed In The 1970s
They were shot, trapped, and poisoned and even the early park rangers in newly formed National Parks like Yellowstone took part in killing them. These early rangers considered the wolves destructive as they kill elk and other animals - unfortunately, the interdependency of species and how ecosystems work was not known to them back then.
Concerns about Reintroducing Wolves
Today many of the concerns that those settlers have continued. Many in rural areas - including ranchers - are concerned that the wolves could kill their cattle. According to National Geographic, only one in 10,000 cattle in wolf-occupied counties are killed by the wolves on average in the Northern Rockies where they have been reintroduced.
There is also an initiative to reimburse ranchers for any lost livestock. Another objection comes from hunters fearing that the elk population will fall, but proponents argue that in the Northern Rockies, wolves have not impacted elk harvests.
- Reimbursement: There Is An Initiative To Reimburse Ranchers For Lost Livestock
Impacts of Reintroducing Wolves In Yellowstone
The reintroduction of wolves to the great Yellowstone ecosystem has been a remarkable success. At the same time, wolves are slowly naturally recovering much of their former range in Europe. A debate continues to rage on whether they should be reintroduced to Scotland or not.
- 1995: Reintroduction of Wolves to Yellowstone National Park and Idaho
- Europe: Wolves Are Slowly Recovering Their Range In Western and Central Europe
Since their reintroduction to the Yellowstone and Idaho region, they have spread to Montana, Washington State, Oregon, and Northern California.
But so far they haven't established a permanent population in Colorado - one issue is that between Yellowstone and Colorado, they can be killed if they venture south in Wyoming. Recently a small wolf pack did cross into northeastern Colorado, but some of them were shot when they crossed back into Wyoming.
- Wyoming: It Is Legal to kill Wolves In 85% Of Wyoming
National Geographic reports that conservationists point out the benefits of having wolves in the ecosystem. They are a keystone species that help thin out sick animals, maintain healthy populations of deer and elk, and limit overgrazing and erosion. They have been shown to indirectly help with the recovery of willows and beavers.
They also compete and kill coyotes that promote greater populations of smaller carnivores like foxes. It also means that elk don't mass die-off in the winter and instead are killed all through the year, this provides more consistent food for scavengers like endangered wolverines, eagles, and bears.
For those who would like to see another animal that can be thought of as reintroduced into the United States, these are the best places to see wild mustangs.