Trump Administration Mandates Colorado Wolves Source from U.S. Rockies, Not Canada
Colorado’s initiative to restore gray wolves has faced a significant change under the Trump administration. Federal authorities are now mandating that the state cease importing wolves from Canada. This decision impacts Colorado’s ongoing efforts to reintroduce gray wolves, which have been underway since 2023.
Background of the Wolf Reintroduction in Colorado
The reintroduction program began after a close vote in 2020, where Colorado residents supported bringing back gray wolves. Currently, approximately 30 wolves inhabit certain mountainous regions. Long-term management plans aim to increase the population to 200 or more wolves.
Trump Administration’s Directive
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Brian Nesvik issued a letter mandating that Colorado only use wolves sourced from Northern Rockies states. This directive follows two winters of releases initiated during President Joe Biden’s tenure. The concern revolves around potential livestock attacks in rural areas, where opposition to the wolf population is growing.
Challenges in Acquiring Wolves
- The state must “cease and desist” any efforts to capture or transport gray wolves from other sources.
- Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, the primary states in the Northern Rockies, have shown reluctance to participate in Colorado’s reintroduction efforts.
- A planned winter relocation of 10 to 15 wolves from British Columbia could be jeopardized by this federal mandate.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s spokesperson confirmed the state signed an agreement with British Columbia prior to the Oct. 10 letter. They are actively evaluating options for this year’s releases despite the recent guidance from federal authorities.
Legal and Conservation Considerations
Legal experts, like Defenders of Wildlife attorney Lisa Saltzburg, argue that the Fish and Wildlife Service is misinterpreting regulations regarding the source of reintroduced populations. She emphasized pride in Colorado’s conservation efforts, describing the wolf reintroduction program as a reflection of the state’s commitment to ecological coexistence.
Next Steps for Colorado
Governor Jared Polis’s office is in communication with the Interior Department, exploring all possible avenues to facilitate the wolf reintroduction. They aim to ensure that Colorado’s wildlife management goals are met despite federal constraints.
The evolving situation regarding Colorado wolves underscores the complex interaction between state initiatives and federal regulations, highlighting the challenges within wildlife conservation efforts in the United States.
