Wyoming ranchers said they are ready to shoot wolves on sight to safeguard their livestock after the state of Colorado reintroduced several of the wolves into the wilderness.
As part of a voter-approved initiative aimed at bolstering wolf numbers, Colorado Parks and Wildlife released five gray wolves on December 18 at an undisclosed location in the Rocky Mountains, Cowboy State Daily reports.
This action has faced criticism from ranchers in both Colorado and Wyoming. Ranchers have concerns that the wolves could pose a threat to sheep and cattle. Some of these wolves may have also been responsible for livestock killings in Oregon.
“If any of those wolves cross over into Wyoming, they’re no longer protected,” Executive Vice President of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association, Jim Magagna, said.
Howard Cooper, whose family owns ranches in Meeker, Colorado, said he’s concerned about sending wolves into Colorado, given their presence in neighboring states.
Cooper also highlighted to Cowboy State Daily the potential threat posed to Mexican wolves by sending larger gray wolves to Colorado. Reportedly, only 241 Mexican wolves remain in the wild, primarily in Arizona and New Mexico.
“The gray wolf is already in Wyoming. It’s already in Montana. It’s already in Idaho and all across Canada,” Cooper said. “Why bring it here and threaten the last 241 Mexican wolves?”
ABC News reports that the released wolves were chosen by biologists due to their maturity and ability to “hunt on their own,” according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Colorado officials project the release of 30 to 50 additional wolves within the next five years.
In a 2020 ballot, the state voted 50.91% to 49.09% in favor of the reintroduction effort, reportedly intensifying divisions between rural and urban residents.
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