So far, from what we’ve seen, Parks and Wildlife seems to understand that. In order for that to work on a landscape with a lot of people is a political and management problem. They’re predators that have to kill to survive.

This isn’t a problem from a biology or ecology perspective. Where wolves have been reintroduced in the past they have behaved like wolves. Preventing conflicts is going to be easier and less disruptive to everyone involved.Įric Odell, species conservation program manager for the agency, said, “The greatest challenges associated with wolf restoration and wolf management in Colorado are primarily going to come from social and political issues rather than the biological issues.” To protect rural economies, sustainable livelihoods and Colorado’s future, nonlethal human-wildlife coexistence is key.” Michelle Lute, with the group Project Coyote, said in the conservation groups’ release, “Compensation, while helpful to operators’ bottom line, cannot be the sole solution to conflict. We agree with the agency that in some cases lethal control will be necessary, but we’d certainly prefer for wolves to not take cattle in the first place. We’d also like to see the state put an emphasis on methods to prevent wolf predation in the first place. That number sounds fair in most instances, but it would be good for the agency to leave itself some room to go higher in rare cases. We’d also suggest Parks and Wildlife reconsider the proposed $8,000 maximum, per-animal, fair-market-value compensation for confirmed wolf kills of livestock. Considering our population and the number of ranchers in this area, we think some more attention should be paid here. The borders of Mesa County are well within the range of these wolves. While we don’t know their exact location, wolves will sometimes travel hundreds of miles. The commission is scheduled to vote on the plan in May.Ĭonsidering the proposed release location, we would like to see a meeting in Mesa County. Written public comments also will be accepted through Feb. The plan will be considered at several public meetings, including in Gunnison on Jan.

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