First Colorado-born Gray Wolf Pup Confirmed in Grand County

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has confirmed the birth of at least one wolf pup to a pair of gray wolves relocated from Oregon to Grand County, Colorado. The pup was observed on June 18 during routine monitoring efforts, marking the first birth of a gray wolf in the state since wolves were reintroduced as part of a voter-approved initiative in 2020. The initiative mandated the reintroduction of wolves west of the Continental Divide by the end of 2023.

The newly identified family of wolves has been named the Copper Creek Pack. While only one pup has been confirmed so far, it is likely that more pups exist, as wolf litters typically consist of four to six pups. CPW will continue to monitor the pack to determine the exact number of pups. The reintroduction has faced challenges, with reports of livestock predation from local ranchers. Biologists are working with landowners to minimize conflicts and have issued non-lethal hazing permits to manage wolf interactions with livestock.