Officials urged to lethally remove wolves from Colorado ranches.

Numerous Colorado ranchers have penned missives to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and Governor Jared Polis advocating for the elimination of wolves through lethal means.

The cattle are being preyed upon and killed by wolves, prompting ranchers to make a plea for lethal methods to be used.

Since April 2, CPW reports that 24 cattle and sheep have been killed by wolves, with the most recent occurrence being eight sheep on July 28.

The Colorado Cattlemen's Association, the North Park Stockgrowers Association, the Middle Park Stockgrowers Association, and the Routt County Cattlemen's Association sent a letter, which was obtained by Planet Chronicle Digital.

The letter brought to attention an incident where CPW rejected a proposal to eliminate two wolves that had caused significant damage.

The letter stated that the protection of apex predators should not compromise the livelihood of livestock producers who have consistently posed a threat to their livestock.

It addressed concerns over non-lethal measures and the impact on ranching communities.

"CPW's failure to manage problem wolves has led to unchecked livestock depredations and the creation of a pack of depredating wolves. These problem wolves' pups will be trained to hunt and survive off livestock. To prevent this, the problem wolves must be removed and their pups placed in a suitable sanctuary."

Physical or psychological barriers or scare tactics can be used as non-lethal efforts to deter wolves and other predators.

Some can include fencing, lights and sound devices and guard dogs.

Ranchers can modify their livestock management practices to help prevent wolf attacks, such as relocating livestock away from known wolf dens and removing carcasses of livestock that have died to avoid attracting wolves and other predators.

In contrast to Montana ranchers, who faced wolf depredations, they authorized the lethal removal of 31 wolves in 2023.

Governor Polis is dedicated to fulfilling the wishes of Colorado voters and supporting Colorado Parks and Wildlife in implementing the Wolf Restoration and Management Plan approved by CPW commissioners. CPW and the Colorado Department of Agriculture have been collaborating with ranchers to provide funding, staff, and support through range riders, as well as non-lethal deterrents. Additionally, a working group has been established with ranchers and others to enhance communication and explore potential alternatives to address chronic depredation.

The Colorado Wolf Management Plan, which was unanimously adopted, includes lethal control as a last resort and allows for the immediate killing of any wolf caught in the act of attacking cattle, sheep, or working dogs.

In response to the groups, CPW Director Jeff Davis made a statement.

CPW is fully committed to collaborating with all agricultural stakeholders in Colorado throughout the voter-approved wolf restoration effort. This is a top priority for CPW, and we continue to work with ranchers to provide funding, resources, range riders, and staff. We are working diligently to resolve wolf-livestock conflicts and are placing an even greater emphasis on education and non-lethal management techniques to support ranchers.

The governor's office, CPW, and the Colorado Cattlemen's Association were contacted by Planet Chronicle Digital for additional comment.