Fifteen Wolves Translocated from British Columbia, Copper Creek Pack Also Released

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) successfully concluded its second year of gray wolf reintroduction efforts on Saturday, January 19th, 2025. This operation involved the capture and release of fifteen wolves from British Columbia and, separately, the release of the five members of the original Copper Creek Pack. All wolves were released in Eagle and Pitkin counties as part of the state’s ongoing wolf restoration program.

Challenges and Threats

CPW faced challenges during the operation, including threats to staff safety due to surveillance and hostile social media posts and phone calls. Tragically, two of the ten wolves reintroduced in 2023 were illegally shot. CPW emphasizes that the gray wolf is protected under both federal and state law, with severe penalties for harming them.

Capture and Release Process

The fifteen wolves were captured in British Columbia over a six-day period and then transported to Colorado. The group consisted of seven males and eight females. The capture sites in British Columbia were strategically chosen to support ongoing caribou recovery efforts. CPW covered all costs associated with the capture and transport, with no compensation paid for the wolves themselves. The British Columbia government ensured consultation with First Nations in the areas where the wolves were captured, with three First Nations participating in the planning and operational phases of the project.

Animal Welfare and Safety

Animal welfare and safety remained a top priority for CPW throughout the entire process. The translocated wolves received a high level of veterinary care, including vaccinations and collars. Sadly, one wolf died during the capture process. A post-mortem examination by onsite veterinary staff indicated that the animal’s age and underlying health conditions may have contributed to its death. CPW biologists were careful to select wolves that met the criteria identified in the Colorado Wolf Restoration and Management Plan, excluding any animals with major injuries or signs of disease.

Collaboration and Cooperation

CPW worked in close collaboration with the British Columbia Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship (WLRS) to capture the wolves. A skilled team of biologists, veterinarians, wildlife officers, and helicopter capture crews from both agencies worked together to ensure the success of the operation. Temporary pens were constructed to house the wolves before their transport to Colorado, and each animal received individual care and attention.

Transport and Release

The wolves were transported to Colorado in individual crates, with CPW staff on board to monitor their health during the flight. LightHawk, a conservation-focused organization, generously donated aircraft and pilot time to facilitate the transport. Upon arrival in Colorado, the wolves were released in Eagle and Pitkin counties on January 12th, 14th, and 16th. The January 12th release date coincided with the 30th anniversary of the first wolf reintroduction to Yellowstone National Park.

Copper Creek Pack

On January 18th, CPW successfully relocated the Copper Creek female and her four pups. The animals had been held in a secure facility since late August and early September 2024 following conflicts with livestock. After a thorough health evaluation, CPW wildlife veterinarians determined that the wolves were in good condition for release. The pups were released alongside their mother to ensure they could learn essential hunting skills. All five wolves were fitted with tracking collars before being transported to their release site.

Public Response and Future Plans

CPW held a media event on January 20th to provide an update on the reintroduction efforts and answer questions from the public. The agency reiterated its commitment to working with livestock owners, communities, and other stakeholders to minimize conflicts and ensure the successful restoration of a self-sustaining wolf population in Colorado.


©️ The Rocky Mountain Dispatch LLC. 2025



For more information, please contact:
Rachael Gonzales Northwest Region Public Information Officer Colorado Parks and Wildlife 970-773-8587 rachael.gonzales@state.co.us