DENVER — A federal agency has euthanized a collared wolf that made its way from Colorado into Wyoming, where it allegedly attacked and killed several sheep, officials announced Thursday. This wolf was part of a controversial effort to reintroduce the predators to Colorado, a decision that was met with resistance from ranchers concerned about potential livestock losses and heightened tensions between urban and rural communities. While wolves enjoy protection in Colorado, the laws in Wyoming allow for their culling in many areas.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services acted on reports of a predator killing five sheep in north-central Wyoming on Saturday. Spokesperson Tanya Espinosa stated that evidence such as bite marks and tracks led to the conclusion of a wolf attack.
Subsequently, the agency located and killed the responsible wolf, which was identified by a collar from Colorado Parks and Wildlife, confirming its origins. The wolf and its collar have since been returned to the Colorado agency.
A press release from the Colorado agency confirmed that a male gray wolf wearing a tracking collar was reported dead on Sunday in the same Wyoming area. Their statement explained, “Wolves are known to travel long distances to find food or mates, including into other states.”
The gray wolf had been brought over from Canada, contributing to Colorado’s initiative to reintroduce wolves, which began when the first wolves re-entered the area in December 2023.
This incident highlights the ongoing complexity and challenges faced by wildlife management authorities, particularly in reconciling conservation efforts with local economic interests.