Today, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission voted 8-3 to ban killing contests targeting many of the state’s treasured wildlife including coyotes, foxes, and prairie dogs. The move falls short of a total ban on wildlife killing contests, but it is a huge step in the right direction for an agency that has long been under criticism for misguided and cruel policies toward native species, especially carnivores. Colorado joins neighbors Arizona and New Mexico, both of which curtailed wildlife killing contests in 2019.

CPW Commissioners showed leadership on this issue as Guardians staff and volunteers worked behind the scenes with other conservation and animal welfare groups to make this victory a reality. Click here if you would like to thank the commissioners or send a “thank you” tweet to @COParksWildlife.

We will continue to work throughout the West to end this brutal blood sport and…