Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials killed a gray wolf from the Copper Creek Pack linked to four livestock attacks on the Western Slope this month, the agency said Friday.
This is the first wolf that state wildlife staff have killed because of attacks on domestic animals, though federal officials in Wyoming killed a collared Colorado gray wolf in March after connecting it to attacks on sheep.
Two calves were killed and three calves and one cow were injured in the attacks that happened between May 17 and Sunday, state officials said in a news release.
The decision comes after outcry from ranchers and advocacy groups like the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, which identified the impacted Pitkin County herds as part of Lost Marbles Ranch, Crystal River Ranch and McCabe Ranch.
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It was a difficult decision to use “lethal management” on the wolf, but it is in line with the state’s reintroduction plan, CPW Director Jeff Davis said in a statement.
“We remain committed to both wolf restoration and to Colorado’s livestock producers,” Davis said.
This is a developing story and may be updated.
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