US EditionThe Federal Government Threatens to Take Control of Colorado's Wolf Management
USFWS demands Colorado provide full reports on wolf management since Dec 2023, citing violations including sourcing wolves from Canada and re-releasing depredating wolves.
- On Dec. 18, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Brian Nesvik sent a letter demanding Colorado provide wolf activity reports within 30 days, or its management authority could be terminated, Nesvik said.
- Nesvik cited Colorado's sourcing of wolves from British Columbia in January 2026 and a Copper Creek wolf re-release as concerns flagged by the agency, which alleges violations of the state's plan.
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife says it will comply and has coordinated publicly, with Luke Perkins confirming receipt of the letter and noting public announcements on Sept. 13 and a Jan. 8 meeting.
- If Colorado fails to comply, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will reassume all gray wolf management activities, including relocation and lethal removal, revoking Colorado Parks and Wildlife's authority.
- Congressional action could shift who controls wolf management, with a House delisting push led by Rep. Lauren Boebert; if Congress succeeds, states' management authority would revert to states, potentially leaving Colorado to manage wolves independently while Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has amplified political pressure.
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Trump administration threatens to take over wolf program from Colorado Parks and Wildlife
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is threatening to take over Colorado’s wolf restoration program from Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Brian Nesvik, the federal agency’s director, sent a letter on Dec. 18 to Laura Clellan, Parks and Wildlife’s acting director, stating that the agency will terminate the agreement that grants the state agency management authority over gray wolves should Parks and Wildlife fail to produce a “complete reporting of all…
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U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum recently issued a warning to Colorado as the state continues the voter-mandated reintroduction of gray wolves. On Dec. 18, Burgum posted on X, “This is a warning: if Colorado does not get control of the wolves immediately, we will!” The Secretary of the Interior’s post said that the state was “prioritizing WOLVES over American ranchers,” claiming it released 15 wolves in January with “no warn…
USFWS Will Terminate Colorado’s Wolf Program Unless the State Complies with This Ultimatum
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is requiring Colorado Parks and Wildlife to produce a detailed report of gray wolf management in the state by mid-January. If the state agency fails to do so, USFWS will terminate the agreement that gives Colorado the authority to manage its experimental wolf population. CPW plans to comply with the request within the 30-day deadline, and continue to coordinate with USFWS on wolf management in the state. This r…
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