Colorado wolves killed livestock in June and July this year, a first for state

For the first time since a wolfpack reestablished in Colorado in 2021, wolves have killed livestock in June and July.

Four confirmed wolf kills have occurred in a four-week stretch, and the last three happened in the county that has become the latest hot spot: Routt. Routt is just west of Grand and Jackson counties, where the state's other 33 confirmed depredations have taken place since December 2021.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife confirmed the depredations of a calf July 7 and heifer calf July 10 on its wolf depredation page . Those followed confirmed depredations on June 9 and June 16.

Shannon Lukens, of Steamboat Radio , reported the July 7 depredation, and the June 16 depredation occurred on the same Routt County ranch . The June 9 depredation occurred in Jackson County.

The rancher of the latest depredation did not wish to speak publicly about the incident.

Why wolf depredations of livestock are rare in June and July

May and June are when deer, elk and moose young are born, providing easy prey for predators such as wolves, mountain lions, bears and coyotes.

Also, some cow calves born earlier in the spring have grown, making it more difficult for wolves to kill them.

Wolf depredations before and after wolves were released into Colorado in December 2023

Colorado Parks and Wildlife does not release the identity of wolves that have depredated due to safety concerns for the animals.

However, some of the wolves released into Colorado are known to be in Routt County, according to the state's monthly wolf activity map .

There were originally 10 wolves reintroduced into Colorado in Grand and Summit counties. One has since been killed by a mountain lion.

There also are two known members of the North Park remaining. All 11 of Colorado's known remaining wolves were fitted with GPS collars.

Here's what we know:

• 14 cattle confirmed killed or injured in 12 depredation incidents since April 2, the first depredations after the 10 wolves were released.
• 20 livestock (cattle, sheep, working cattle dogs) confirmed killed or injured in 13 depredations from December 2021 to December 2023, prior to wolves being released. For part of this time, the North Park pack included two adults and six pups.

Months with the most confirmed wolf depredation incidents in Colorado

The numbers below include depredation incidents from December 2021 through the latest confirmed depredations in July. Some of the below depredation incidents involved more than one livestock.

• April has seen seven depredation incidents. All but one occurred in 2024. Six of the seven incidents during that time occurred on the same Grand County ranch in an 11-day period.
• May has seen four depredation incidents.
• January, March, June, July, October, November and December have all had two depredation incidents.
• September and February are the only months without a depredation.

How much Colorado has paid ranchers for confirmed wolf depredations

Since 2021, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has paid $41,406.95 in wolf depredation compensation to livestock producers for 14 cattle, three working cattle dogs and three sheep.

Of the 34 confirmed depredations, claims have been paid for 20 livestock. Ranchers have not submitted claims for compensation on 13 livestock, and there is one claim received but pending.

Ranchers have until the end of the year to submit claims. Some wait to file claims to reduce the amount of paperwork should another depredation occur to their livestock.

Colorado counties where confirmed wolf depredations have occurred

The numbers below reflect the total number of livestock involved.

• Jackson County: 24
• Grand County: 7
• Routt County: 3

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Colorado wolves killed livestock in June and July this year, a first for state