After a century of absence, the hauntingly beautiful song of the gray wolf once again echoes through the canyons and forests of Colorado’s Western Slope. Marking a historic moment for conservation and a testament to public will, five wolves – ambassadors of a forgotten past – were released onto public land in Grand County on Monday, December 18th. This momentous occasion signifies the culmination of tireless efforts by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and passionate advocacy by Coloradans who, in 2020, voted to restore these apex predators to their rightful place in the ecosystem.

The journey of these five wolves is far from ordinary. Hailing from the rugged landscapes of Oregon, each animal underwent a rigorous selection process, meticulously assessed by CPW veterinarians and biologists for their potential to thrive in their new Colorado home. From the sleek black fur of 2302-OR, a juvenile female from the Five Points Pack, to the imposing stature of 2307-OR, an adult male from the Wenaha Pack, each wolf carries the unique legacy of their pack within them.

Their arrival marks not just a biological milestone, but a critical step towards restoring balance to the delicate tapestry of life in the Rockies. Gray wolves, as apex predators, play a vital role in regulating elk and deer populations, ensuring healthy prey-predator dynamics and fostering a more resilient ecosystem. Their presence promises not only a richer biodiversity but also a chance to rewrite the narrative of human-wildlife coexistence, paving the way for a future where humans and wolves can share the land with mutual respect and understanding.

However, the road ahead is not without its challenges. Concerns from ranchers and rural communities about potential livestock depredation must be addressed with empathy and proactive solutions. CPW has developed a comprehensive Wolf Restoration and Management Plan, meticulously crafted through extensive public engagement and stakeholder input, to navigate these delicate interactions. Compensation programs, livestock guardian dogs, and hazing techniques are just some of the tools in the wolf management toolbox, demonstrating CPW’s commitment to finding common ground and ensuring the success of this ambitious reintroduction effort.

The howl of the wolf is not just a sound; it is a symbol of resilience, of ecological balance, and of the interconnectedness of all living things. The return of these magnificent creatures to Colorado is a testament to the power of collective action, of science-driven conservation, and of the enduring human spirit that strives to restore what was lost. As the echoes of their song reverberate through the mountains, let us embrace this historic moment not with fear, but with awe and understanding, recognizing the vital role these wolves play in weaving a richer tapestry of life for generations to come.

This is not just about five wolves; it is about a promise kept, a legacy restored, and a future where the wild song of the Colorado wolf rises once again, a timeless ode to the enduring spirit of nature and the unwavering commitment of those who dared to dream of its return.

©️ Rocky Mountain Dispatch 2023