Twenty-nine agricultural, hunting, and county organizations petitioned Colorado Parks and Wildlife to halt wolf releases until next winter.
They cite rising costs, livestock losses, and local unpreparedness for wolves roaming rural areas.
Petition Highlights Concerns
Tim Ritschard of Middle Park Stockgrowers said ranchers pay emotionally and financially when wolves kill cattle.
He criticized the state for failing to manage existing wolves before adding more.
The petition also includes the Gunnison County Stockgrowers, Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, Colorado Wool Growers, Holy Cross Cattlemen’s, and 12 county commissions.
Requested Delay
The groups ask the agency to postpone wolf releases until at least November 16, 2026.
They argue a one-year pause will allow Colorado to fix program gaps and fully meet Proposition 114 requirements.
Erin Spaur, president of the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, emphasized that the state must resolve conflicts with ranchers.
Proposition 114 Requirements
The ballot measure mandates a wolf reintroduction plan, conflict mitigation, and compensation for livestock losses.
Petitioners claim Colorado has not resolved chronic conflicts, particularly involving the Copper Creek Pack.
They cite flawed compensation procedures, poor communication with ranchers, and inadequate mitigation resources.
Agency Process
Parks and Wildlife reviews petitions, evaluates conditions, and recommends approval or denial to the commission.
The commission requires a rulemaking hearing to implement regulatory changes if it approves a petition.
Hilary Hernandez, regulations manager, said petitions typically take two to six months from submission to commission review.
Previous Attempts to Pause
Earlier petitions in 2024 and efforts by Western Slope legislators to stop releases were unsuccessful.
Parks and Wildlife argued that previous criteria had been met and releasing more wolves is biologically necessary.
Governor and lawmakers removed a proposed 2026 release pause after backlash from wolf advocates.
Current Releases
The agency plans to release up to 15 wolves in southwest Colorado this winter, marking the third release since December 2023.
Other Petitions Under Review
Colorado Parks and Wildlife currently reviews four other petitions, including furbearer check updates, wolf compensation improvements, reptile regulation updates, and a ban on commercial wildlife fur sales.
Focus groups and internal workgroups are preparing recommendations for the commission early next year.
