The reintroduction of wolves in Colorado seems to be off to a rough start, as one has been shot illegally.
The following press release was sent out by the USFWS:
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking information regarding the illegal killing of a gray wolf in Grand County, Colorado. The wolf, identified as 2309-OR, was a male that had been captured by Colorado Parks and Wildlife on August 30, 2024, as part of the Copper Creek Pack capture operation. The wolf was in poor condition when captured and died on September 3, 2024. A necropsy revealed that a gunshot wound initiated the poor condition of the wolf and ultimately led to the cause of death. Gray wolves in Colorado are listed as endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA), making it illegal to harass, harm, or kill them without federal authorization.
The Service is seeking your help by offering a monetary reward for information that significantly furthers the investigation into the death of this wolf.
Anyone with information regarding the death of this wolf, or any other federal wildlife crimes, is urged to contact the Service’s wildlife crime hotline by using any of the following methods: 1-844-FWS-TIPS (397-8477), FWS_TIPS@fws.gov, or https://www.fws.gov/wildlife-crime-tips. The Service is committed to enforcing legal protections and holding individuals accountable for violations of the ESA.
