Colorado Cattlemen’s Association Responds to CPW Decision Not to Release Wolves This Season


Description: The Colorado Cattlemen’s Association says CPW’s decision not to release wolves this season is a constructive step, while urging stronger protections, compensation, and management tools for livestock producers. Read the Full Letter to the Editor from the Colorado Cattlemen's Association...

Colorado Cattlemen’s Association Responds to CPW Decision Not to Release Wolves This Season

DENVER, Colo. - The Colorado Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) acknowledges today’s announcement from Colorado Parks and Wildlife that no additional wolves will be released in Colorado this season.

CCA views this decision as a constructive step that reflects the need for the state to pause and address the ongoing concerns raised by livestock producers and rural communities. Listening to those most directly affected is essential as Colorado continues to navigate wolf management.

However, the absence of releases this season does not eliminate the challenges producers face today. Wolves remain on the landscape, and livestock producers continue to experience real and ongoing impacts.

During this interim period, CCA urges the state to focus on practical, producer-driven solutions, including:

·  Clear and workable lethal take authority when livestock are threatened or attacked

·  Timely, fair, and comprehensive compensation for confirmed and probable livestock losses

·  Continued direct engagement with producers to address conflicts, management gaps, and on-the-ground realities

“A pause in releases must not mean a pause in action,” said Curt Russell, President of the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association. “Producers are living with wolves today, and effective management tools, compensation, and responsiveness from the state are critical during this period.”

CCA stands behind the continued need for strong U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service oversight of the current program to ensure all requirements and commitments outlined in the MOA are fully met. The Association remains committed to working with state agencies, policymakers, and stakeholders to ensure wolf management policies protect livestock producers, respect private property rights, and reflect the realities of agriculture on the ground.

Related Content:

Colorado Parks and Wildlife Confirms Death of Reintroduced Gray Wolf in Northwest Colorado

Colorado Gray Wolf Returned Home After Crossing Into New Mexico; CPW Re-Releases Wolf 2403 in Grand County

Colorado Parks and Wildlife Confirms Death of Gray Wolf 2506 in Southwest Colorado

Colorado-Relocated Gray Wolf 2304 Found Dead in Wyoming, CPW Confirms

CPW Confirms Chronic Wolf Depredation in Rio Blanco County Amid Elk Fire Evacuations

CPW Awards Inaugural Born to Be Wild License Plate Grants to Boost Wolf Conflict Mitigation and Public Awareness

Coloado Parks and Wildlife Releases Statement on Gray Wolf 2507 Mortality

Colorado Parks and Wildlife Lethally Removes Gray Wolf to Address Chronic Depredation in Pitkin County

Colorado Parks and Wildlife Confirms Colorado Gray Wolf 2505-BC Mortality in Wyoming

February 2025 CPW Gray Wolf Reintroduction Effort Update + Photo Gallery

Gray Wolf Reintroduction Update: January Map Shows Movement into Southeast Colorado

CPW Reports on Second Year of Gray Wolf Capture and Release Efforts