Colorado Parks and Wildlife announced today that it will not be translocating additional gray wolves this winter season, and will instead begin to plan for releases in 2026/2027. In response, Kaitie Schneider, Colorado representative for Defenders of Wildlife, issued this statement:
“We are beyond disappointed that the Trump administration is using its political might to not only block CPW's efforts to release wolves this winter but also to thwart the will of Coloradans who voted for this historic reintroduction program. Building a self-sustaining population requires consistent efforts over multiple years, and the current population remains vulnerable. Every year matters, and any delay extends the timeline for reaching that goal.
"In my work, I’ve seen increasing engagement with communities, ranchers included, which if fostered will positively position this program for growth that will allow wolves and producers—and their livestock—to thrive on our landscape. The reintroduction program is on a path for success, it just needs the runway to do so.
"We at Defenders urge all stakeholders to make productive use of this year to enhance preparedness, implement livestock protection approaches, and continue to build the collaborative partnerships needed to foster long-term success. We remain committed to working with CPW and all Coloradans to ensure this monumental wolf restoration succeeds.”
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