Colorado’s wolf saga just hit a federal brick wall. The Denver Gazette reports that U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service told Gov. Jared Polis and Colorado Parks and Wildlife to quit trying to bring in gray wolves from Canada or Alaska. If Colorado wants more wolves, they must come from specific lower 48 states.
Per an Oct. 10 letter, USFWS Director Brian Nesvik said the state’s reintroduction is authorized as an experimental population under the 10(j) rule. That authorization only allows sourcing from the delisted Northern Rocky Mountains region: Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, the eastern third of Oregon and Washington, and north-central Utah. Anything outside that zone violates the rule. Cease and desist, said the feds.
Colorado pushed back. CPW noted a memorandum of understanding and a contract with British Columbia that delivered 15 wolves in January and could supply 10 to 15 more this winter. The agency says those agreements were based on consultation with USFWS and predate Nesvik’s letter. Colorado also argues Canadian wolves are not listed under the U.S. ESA. The state is “evaluating” its options.
The procurement struggle is not new. Idaho, Montana and Wyoming already refused to share. Oregon sent wolves in 2023, including animals with a history of livestock depredation, conflicting with CPW’s plan. A pair produced the Copper Creek pack, linked to multiple livestock kills in Grand and Pitkin counties in 2024 and 2025.
Meanwhile in Congress, the Pet and Livestock Protection Act backed by Rep. Lauren Boebert cleared committee and would delist gray wolves nationwide within 60 days, with no judicial review. Supporters cheer relief. Opponents warn of slaughter. The fight now heads to the House floor.
The Bullet Point Brief
• USFWS to Colorado: no more wolves from Canada or Alaska. Use the Northern Rockies or do not release.
• The 10(j) experimental population rule is the leash. Step outside the listed states and you are out of bounds.
• CPW says BC deals were made with prior consultation and before the letter. The state is weighing options.
• Oregon wolves arrived with baggage. Copper Creek pack is tied to livestock losses in 2024 and 2025.
• In D.C., a Boebert bill to delist wolves advances. If it passes, the legal battlefield shifts overnight.
My Bottom Line
Ballot box biology was a clown car the moment it rolled off the lot. Urban romantics voted for storybook predators and handed ranchers the bill. So pardon me if I do not shed a tear when the feds yank the import hose and the plan sputters. If Boulder’s wolf-whisperers keep hitting potholes, that is called consequences, not cruelty.
Colorado wanted wolves. Colorado got wolves. Then Colorado imported depredation history and acted shocked when calves turned into chew toys. Now the 10(j) rule says play by the map or sit down. Good. You do not get to rewrite federal law because the rewilding vibes feel righteous.
If CPW can source legally and responsibly, fine. If not, stop pretending this is Little Red Riding Hood and admit the program needs fewer press releases and more hard rules that protect people who live where the paw prints are.
