Source: Summit Daily
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is adopting a more conservative approach to killing wolves involved in repeated livestock attacks amid concerns about the state’s developing wolf population. Colorado had an estimated 45 wolves as of Sept. 24, including 20 pups born this spring, but officials are monitoring mortality, pup survival, possible disease, and uncertainty surrounding future wolf releases.
The agency has killed five wolves for chronic livestock depredation this year. It is temporarily suspending its chronic depredation management directive and will consider future removals individually. Officials said excessive lethal removal could interfere with establishing a self-sustaining wolf population.
Adult wolf survival has also fallen below typical levels, while possible infectious skin parasites are being investigated in two packs. Colorado plans to emphasize nonlethal conflict prevention, range riders, and livestock-loss compensation while reassessing its policies. Ranchers have expressed concerns about increasing livestock attacks, while wildlife advocates welcomed the more cautious management approach.
Read the full story HERE: https://www.summitdaily.com/news/colorado-killing-wolves-livestock-attacks-survival-concerns/