Trump Administration Halts Colorado’s Canadian Gray Wolf Imports

The Trump administration has instructed Colorado to cease its imports of Canadian gray wolves for reintroduction programs. This directive may hinder Colorado’s plans to introduce more wolves this winter. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, led by Director Brian Nesvik, communicated this change to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Director Jeff Davis in a recent letter.

Background of Colorado’s Wolf Reintroduction Program

Colorado initiated its gray wolf reintroduction efforts in 2023, thanks to a narrow voter approval in 2020. Currently, about 30 wolves inhabit the mountainous areas of Colorado. The state’s management plan aims for the population to eventually grow to over 200 wolves.

Opposition and Challenges

This program has faced significant backlash in rural communities. Farmers and ranchers have reported wolf attacks on livestock. The recent federal guidance marks a sharp contrast to the approach taken under President Joe Biden, who oversaw initial releases during the previous winters.

Implications of the New Directive

• The directive changes Colorado’s sourcing strategy for wolves.
• Colorado planned to relocate 10 to 15 wolves this winter from British Columbia under an existing agreement.
• Recent imports of wolves had primarily come from Canada, raising concerns about compliance with federal regulations.

Northern Rockies states, such as Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, have indicated they are unwilling to supply wolves for Colorado’s program. This reluctance could create a sourcing deadlock if the federal directive remains unchanged.

Legal Interpretations and State Reactions

The core of the issue lies in how strictly the federal government interprets its rules regarding the “experimental” population of Colorado’s wolves. A notice from Fish and Wildlife referred to the Northern Rockies as the “preferred” source of wolves, but it did not make it a strict requirement.

Governor Jared Polis’s office is currently in discussions with the Interior Department. They are exploring all potential solutions to ensure the wolf releases go as planned this winter.

Public Perspectives

Environmental advocates, including Defenders of Wildlife attorney Lisa Saltzburg, criticized the federal stance, claiming it misrepresents the legal framework around wolf imports. She emphasized that Colorado’s conservation efforts should be a point of pride.

Conversely, several Republican representatives from Colorado have condemned the CPW’s actions. They argue that the importation of “foreign wolves” disregards the rights of local farmers and ranchers while calling for federal intervention.

Future Prospects for Wolf Reintroduction

If the federal stance persists, Colorado could face a critical shortage of wolves while trying to expand its population. This situation places the state in a challenging position, attempting to balance local voter mandates and federal restrictions.