Last year, Coloradans found evidence of the first wolf pack in the state since their eradication in the 1940s, which was exciting news for both animal lovers and history buffs alike. This month, the excitement continues, as the first pack of wolf pups have been verified by both a Colorado Parks and Wildlife biologist and CPW district wildlife manager:
As per a press release from the State of Colorado, wolf pups have been spotted in Colorado, thanks to parents M2101 “John” and F1084 “Jane."
According to the press release, the observations were all made from a distance but were each verified, as Colorado Parks and Wildlife made 3 separate sightings between June 4th through the 8th, 2021.
In a statement from the capitol, Governor Jared Polis shared that “Colorado is now home to our first wolf litter since the 1940s. We welcome this historic den and the new wolf family to Colorado," adding that "With voter passage last year of the initiative to require re-introduction of the wolf by the end of 2023, these pups will have plenty of potential mates when they grow up to start their own families."
Though native to Colorado, wolves were not seen in the region for generations, with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service only starting to re-introduce them to surrounding states (Wyoming, Arizona, Idaho, Montana, and New Mexico) a mere 10 years ago.
Thanks to the recent Proposition 114, gray wolves are now being re-introduced onto the Western Slope of Colorado, making this recent pup discovery all the more exciting.