Your Reporter Efforts Underway to Stop Wolf Reintroduction in Colorado With Popular Vote

A group opposing Colorado’s wolf reintroduction plan is pushing for a 2026 ballot initiative to repeal the program. Patrick Davis, campaign manager for Colorado Advocates for Smart Wolf Policy, is leading the effort, citing increased opposition to wolf reintroduction due to predation incidents affecting ranchers. Davis plans to gather 20,000 petition signatures by mid-March to ensure the measure qualifies for the ballot.

The initiative seeks to halt future wolf releases while leaving existing reintroduced wolves untouched. Davis argues the current program, initiated by a 2020 public vote, has caused significant harm to ranching communities and mountain towns. He believes public sentiment has shifted and aims to let voters revisit the issue. Critics of the program, including Davis, say it’s detrimental to both wolves and local communities, noting that three wolves have already died since the reintroduction began. The campaign seeks to “reverse a wrong” and re-evaluate the state’s approach.