Endangered Wolf Makes a Long-Awaited Comeback

Following Colorado’s decision and mission to reintroduce gray wolves on its territory, two adult individuals and their offsprings were spotted for the first time in eight decades in the American state, a piece of great news for the survival of this endangered species.

“Colorado is now home to our first wolf litter since the 1940s,” says Governor Jared Polis. “We welcome this historic den and the new wolf family to Colorado. 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.”

Following three observations from a safe distance, two adult gray wolves – John M2101 and Jane F1084 – were spotted, joined by three pups, and possibly more since a litter normally contains four to six. In the coming years, biologists and the Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff will work with neighboring landowners to minimize contacts between humans and wolves as much as possible. The gray wolf remains endangered in Colorado, and killing one can result in the revocation of hunting privileges, a $100,000 fine, or jail time.