CPW investigates possible 4th wolf depredation in Grand County

DENVER (KDVR) — Colorado Parks and Wildlife said it is investigating a reported wolf depredation in Grand County on Sunday.

If confirmed, it would be the fourth incident in Grand County since wolves were reintroduced to the area in late 2023 and the fifth this year in Colorado.

Further details from CPW were not available, but Steamboat Radio’s Shannon Lukens told FOX31 that this occurred on the same ranch where several calves were killed on April 17.

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CPW said it was working to confirm the incident.

Further details, including whether the incident involved a reintroduced wolf, were not available.

At least four depredation incidents in April

According to CPW data, not counting Sunday’s possible incident, there have been four depredation incidents in the state in April.

Three of the confirmed incidents were in Grand County, with a further depredation reported in Jackson County.

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CPW has confirmed 17 separate incidents of depredation in the state since 2021. Before April, however, all of the incidents had occurred in Jackson County, and all had occurred before December of last year.

The state released 10 wolves into the state in December 2023 to fulfill a voter-approved mandate to reintroduce the species.

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Many of the previous incidents involved cattle or calves, with some involving sheep or dogs.

All four of the confirmed depredation incidents in April involved cattle or calves.

CPW said ranchers can submit claims for the fair market value of the livestock lost. According to data, just under $40,000 has been paid out in claims since 2021.

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