The announcement came one day after the agency confirmed another gray wolf had died, bringing the total number of translocated wolves that have died since reintroduction began to 11. Nearly half of the 25 wolves released in Colorado between December 2023 and 2025 have now died.
The decision also follows an October directive from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ordering Colorado to stop importing wolves from Canada, which halted the state’s plan to relocate 10 to 15 wolves from British Columbia.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife said the impact of pausing translocations on the state’s goal of establishing a self‑sustaining wolf population depends on several factors, including the reproduction and survival of wolves already on the landscape.
Four packs have successfully bred litters, and wildlife staff are working to determine how many pups survived the summer, according to the agency. Female gray wolves typically give birth to litters of four to six pups.
“It is not possible to predict the impact of foregoing a third year of translocations without knowing what may occur in the coming year,” Eric Odell, CPW’s wolf program manager, said in a statement Wednesday.
“If mortality remains high, as observed in 2025, the risk of failing to achieve a self-sustaining wolf population in Colorado increases, potentially requiring additional resources to address.”
Colorado began releasing wolves west of the Continental Divide in December 2023 after voters narrowly approved reintroduction in 2020. The long‑term management plan envisions about 200 or more wolves on the landscape.
The program has drawn criticism in rural areas, where some wolves have attacked livestock despite efforts to reduce conflicts, including nighttime patrols and herd‑protection strategies.
CPW said it continues to explore options for acquiring additional wolves in the 2026 to 27 winter season.
In the meantime, the agency plans to meet with ranchers and expand its range‑riding program this year to support producers during open ranging seasons.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
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