First Wolf Kill Of Livestock In Decades Confirmed In Colorado

WALDEN, CO — Colorado wildlife officials confirmed Wednesday a gray wolf killed a domestic calf in Jackson County.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife said officers got a report Sunday that a Jackson County rancher had found a calf carcass on their property.

“The results of this investigation indicated wolf tracks in the immediate vicinity of the carcass and wounds on the calf consistent with wolf depredation,” said CPW Area Wildlife Manager Kris Middledorf in a news release.

This is the first time a wolf has killed livestock in 70 years, according to the Colorado Cattlemen's Association.

CPW does not have a formal process for reimbursing ranchers for damage to wildlife caused by wolves; the department said it will handle reimbursing the rancher "under our current game damage process," which covers damage by mountain lions or bears.

“CPW is working on draft regulations for the Commission’s consideration on hazing for these naturally migrating wolves in the state,” CPW Director Dan Prenzlow said in a news release. “Our goal is to provide producers with resources to minimize the likelihood of conflict or depredation as we work to create a statewide wolf restoration and management program as directed under Proposition 114.”

Gray wolves are considered an endangered species in Colorado. Killing a wolf for reasons other than self defense can lead to penalties including fines up to $100,000 and jail time.