After decades of complex deliberations, Colorado could soon become the newest battleground for the resurgence of the North American wolverine. On Monday, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) announced a bipartisan legislative effort to pave the way for the reintroduction of this elusive and tenacious member of the weasel family.

The announcement of SB24-171 marks a significant turning point in a conservation journey stretching back to the 1990s. While restoration of the Canada lynx has proven successful, the complexities of wolverine reintroduction led to a delayed plan. It wasn’t until 2010 that CPW revisited the idea with input from stakeholders, but uncertainties surrounding federal listing status pressed pause on the initiative.

The federal classification of wolverines as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act is central to this latest initiative. SB24-171 stipulates that reintroduction efforts will only commence once the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issues a final rule designating wolverines in Colorado as nonessential and experimental.

“Colorado’s rugged high country is the ideal location for these hardy creatures,” asserts CPW Director Jeff Davis, “Our state harbors some of the best remaining unoccupied wolverine habitat within the lower 48.”

A Collaborative, Science-Driven Approach

The legislation champions a collaborative approach. CPW emphasizes it will work hand-in-hand with federal land management agencies to ensure careful consideration in choosing release sites on public lands. The bill also mandates detailed reporting both before and for five years after the reintroduction commences.

“Wolverines are a missing piece of our state’s biodiversity,” says Representative Barbara McLachlan, the bill’s House sponsor. “This is about enhancing Colorado’s wildlife legacy.”

Senator Perry Will, adds, “Our state has the habitat and the expertise. This legislation empowers our nation-leading wildlife professionals to return a species scientifically and responsibly.”

Funding for the reintroduction is carefully addressed in the bill. No hunting or fishing license fees will be diverted, and $750,000 in Species Conservation Trust Fund resources have been earmarked for the project.

The Wolverine: An Icon of Resilience

Wolverines were once native to Colorado’s alpine wilderness, but unregulated hunting and widespread poisoning decimated their population throughout the 1900s. This adaptable survivor of frigid landscapes has slowly rebounded in other states, but their return to Colorado has been sporadic.

“The wolverine symbolizes the tenacity of nature,” remarks Senator Dylan Roberts, a co-sponsor of the bill “Through careful management, and ensuring the protection of stakeholders, we can secure a sustainable future for this species in Colorado.”

While climate change poses a looming threat to the wolverine’s preferred snowy habitat, Colorado’s high-elevation peaks promise a resilient stronghold. CPW estimates the state could support a thriving population of 100-180 wolverines – bolstering the species’ long-term presence across the Western U.S

Cautious Optimism and Public Input

The path to reintroduction will undoubtedly face careful scrutiny from stakeholders. Livestock owners are understandably concerned, which is why the bill includes provisions for compensation in cases of wolverine predation.

As this legislative process unfolds, public input will be a key part of shaping the wolverine’s return to Colorado. If successful, this endeavor would mark a new chapter in Colorado’s reputation as a leader in conservation.

©️ Rocky Mountain Dispatch 2024