Colorado Tracked Wolf Activity Across Western Slope

State wildlife officials monitored collared wolves and managed livestock predation incidents throughout September.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in National Parks

Bold vector editorial illustration of a radio telemetry antenna in a mountain meadow, representing wildlife tracking efforts. — Colorado wildlife officials continue to track gray wolf packs across the Western Slope, managing livestock predation risks through consistent GPS monitoring. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you support the state killing wolves that attack livestock in your area?

Colorado Parks and Wildlife tracked gray wolf movements across 17 Western Slope counties between August 25 and September 22, 2026. The state currently maintains four active, reproducing wolf packs while managing lethal interventions for uncollared wolves linked to livestock predation.

Why it matters

Lethal action against wolves serves as a management tool to discourage predation on livestock, guided by state policies that trigger responses after three confirmed attacks within 30 days. These tracking efforts provide data on disperser wolves, which often travel long distances in search of food and mates.

Colorado counted 32 wolves in March 2026, including 18 adults and 14 yearlings. Four reproducing packs now inhabit Eagle, Jackson, Pitkin, and Rio Blanco counties.

The players

Colorado Parks and Wildlife

This state agency is responsible for managing wildlife populations, habitat, and recreation across Colorado.

The details

Colorado Parks and Wildlife uses GPS data recorded roughly every four hours to monitor wolf locations across the state. In response to confirmed livestock attacks, the agency has killed five uncollared wolves in 2026, including a member of the One Ear Pack in August.

March 31, 2026: State officials estimated a population of 32 wolves.
June 2026: Parks and Wildlife killed one uncollared wolf.
July 2026: An uncollared wolf died in northwest Colorado.
August 2026: A yearling from the One Ear Pack was killed.
August 25-September 22, 2026: Wolf activity was mapped across the Western Slope.

Travel Outlook

The state's management of wolf populations follows a pattern set by the Colorado wolf reintroduction policy's lethal action trigger. This systematic approach to carnivore management marks a departure from earlier, non-interventionist strategies in the region.

Visitors to the Western Slope should be aware that wolf movement spans 17 counties and includes areas near the San Juan Mountains. Hikers and residents in these regions should remain informed about active packs and follow local guidance regarding livestock and pet safety.

The takeaway

Effective wolf management balances the ecological return of predators with the economic concerns of the agricultural community. Consistent monitoring and adherence to established predation policies remain central to the state's ongoing integration of gray wolves.