4 yearling cattle killed in wolf depredation in Grand County
DENVER (KDVR) — Colorado Parks and Wildlife told FOX31 Thursday that four yearling cattle were killed in a wolf depredation in Grand County this week, only 10 days after confirming the second wolf depredation in 2024.
A CPW spokesperson said wildlife officers responded to a report of a possible depredation incident in Grand County on Wednesday morning.
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A field investigation revealed that three deceased yearlings had injuries consistent with wolf depredation, CPW said.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife said its officers believe the depredation happened sometime between Monday night and Tuesday morning, but a storm brought a foot of snow to the area, covering the cattle and delaying the discovery.
Thursday morning, CPW received a report of a possible fourth depredation at the same property. A wildlife officer conducted a field investigation and “found evidence confirming this to be a wolf-livestock depredation,” the CPW spokesperson said.
Injuries consistent with wolf depredation, including hemorrhaging and partially consumed hindquarters, were discovered on a fourth dead yearling cattle during the field investigation.
The CPW spokesperson confirmed that the wolf or wolves in the area at the time of the depredation were part of the 10 that were reintroduced in Colorado last year.
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The CPW spokesperson added that the agency provides reimbursement for damages to livestock caused by gray wolves, and livestock producers who submit a claim could be eligible for fair market value compensation.
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