Grey wolf pup capture operation halted

DENVER (KDVR) — Colorado Parks and Wildlife announced it has ceased the capture operation of a grey wolf pup from the Copper Creek Pack.

In September, CPW noticed a literal lone wolf on its cameras in Grand County. The cameras were set following the initial capture of the Copper Creek Pack which included the mother, father and four pups. Since being captured, the father died of unrelated injuries.

CPW wanted to continue to monitor the area for signs of additional pups that might have been separated from the pack. It wasn’t too long after the first capture that a fifth pup revealed itself to the cameras and CPW.

The organization announced a capturing operation on Sept. 30. Staff worked in the area for 19 nights before calling off the operation on Oct. 10. Staff used similar methods to the ones they used to capture the rest of the pack but were unsuccessful. Due to a drop in temperature, CPW made the decision to halt the capture for the safety of the wolf pup.

CPW staff will continue to monitor the cameras for any evidence of the pup in the area while operating within normal staff duties.

The pup is about six months old and can fend for itself at this point. It is able to hunt small animals, like rabbits and squirrels, and forage.

CPW is asking hunters and members of the public in Grand County and Summit County to report any potential sightings of the pup to CPW by calling the CPW Hot Sulphur Springs Area office at 970-725-6200 (M-F 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.).

Information related to Wolves in Colorado can be found on the CPW website, including a brochure detailing how to spot the difference between a coyote or grey wolf, which is very important to understand with this pup in this area, as well as a wolf sighting form to help our biologists monitor wolves on the landscape.

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