CPW staff has been trying to kill a wolf for several days, due to the pack repeatedly killing livestock, according to a letter obtained by 9NEWS Investigates.
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Author: Aaron Adelson
Published: 3:12 PM MDT July 28, 2025
Updated: 9:45 PM MDT July 28, 2025
PITKIN COUNTY, Colo. — Colorado Parks and Wildlife has been trying to kill a wolf, or wolves, from the Copper Creek pack in the Pitkin County area for about a week, according to a letter obtained by 9NEWS Investigates.
“After the additional depredation confirmed on July 18, the Division is undertaking additional lethal control efforts. Staff have been in the area since Sunday, July 20th attempting to locate the wolves. As you are aware, the terrain is challenging at best, and staff have not been able to get close to the wolves after multiple attempts. Staff will continue to monitor locations and attempt to intervene if possible,” a letter from CPW to the Holy Cross Cattlemen’s Association (HCCA) reads.
The letter was signed on July 25. HCCA requested a permit to lethally remove a wolf, or wolves, due to the wolves repeatedly killing livestock. The letter was in response to the association.
“CPW’s actions in this very difficult case are designed to ensure that wolves and packs that are targeting natural prey such as wild ungulates serve as the foundation for a sustainable population in Colorado,” a CPW spokesperson told 9NEWS.
CPW denied the association’s request because the letter essentially states CPW employees are working to kill a wolf. CPW’s leaders decided to move forward with lethal removal after CPW determined wolves killed a calf in Pitkin County. The calf was found dead on July 18, but a CPW spokesperson said they don’t know exactly when the calf was killed.
“I acknowledge that this remains an extremely difficult situation and appreciate the continued partnership,” CPW Northwest Region Manager Travis Black wrote in the letter.
CPW has already euthanized a member of the Copper Creek pack. Here’s a brief timeline of events this year in Pitkin County:
- CPW determined the pack injured a calf on May 17.
- CPW determined the pack killed a calf on May 23.
- CPW determined the pack injured a calf and killed a calf on May 24.
- CPW determined the pack injured a cow and calf on May 25.
- CPW killed one of the pack members on May 29.
- CPW confirmed wolf depredation on July 18, believing this pack was responsible.
- CPW began lethal removal efforts on July 20.
Because of the wolves repeatedly killing livestock in Grand County last year, CPW took the pack out of the wild. The wolves were in captivity for several months. The state rereleased the pack in Pitkin County in January.
CPW Director Jeff Davis recently said the decision to recapture and rerelease the pack was solely his.
“Do I question the decision that I made every single day? Yes,” Davis told lawmakers on June 30.
HCCA also requested for CPW remove the entire pack from the wild. That request was also denied.
“The Division continues to monitor the pack and may conduct additional lethal removals if they are legally authorized and necessary to change the pack’s behavior. The Division therefore declines to place the pack in captivity,” the letter concludes.
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