Colorado Suspended Wolf Removal Directive
State wildlife officials paused lethal interventions following recent population management efforts.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in National Parks
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Colorado Parks and Wildlife has suspended its chronic depredation directive for wolf removals. The agency confirmed a statewide count of 45 gray wolves as of late September 2026.
Why it matters
The pause allows the state to adopt a more conservative approach to wolf population management. Officials suspect that population growth may stall during the current biological year ending in early 2027.
As of September 24, 2026, there are 45 gray wolves in Colorado, including 20 pups born this year. Data shows adult wolf survival was 61% during the 2025-2026 biological year, compared to a typical survival rate of 75% for unharvested populations.
The players
Colorado Parks and Wildlife
This is the state agency responsible for managing the wildlife reintroduction and monitoring programs throughout Colorado.
The details
Colorado Parks and Wildlife will now evaluate future removals on a case-by-case basis. While four reproducing packs currently reside in the state, two packs in Northwest Colorado are exhibiting symptoms of hair loss.
Timeline
Biological year 2025-2026 saw an adult wolf survival rate of 61%.
There were 45 gray wolves confirmed in the state on September 24, 2026.
Five wolves were lethally removed between April 1, 2026, and September 30, 2026.
The current biological year is scheduled to end on March 31, 2027.
The state agency must finalize new directive revisions by April 1, 2027.
Roadmap
The suspension of the chronic depredation directive marks a departure from established management protocols. This move reflects an evolving strategy to ensure stable population growth for the state's reintroduction program.
Residents in rural areas of Northwest Colorado should remain aware of potential wolf activity as population management strategies shift. Visitors to the region should report any sightings of wolves with visible hair loss to state wildlife officials.
The takeaway
Wildlife managers are shifting toward a more conservative oversight model to account for lower-than-expected adult survival rates. This approach aims to stabilize the state's wolf packs following a period of active lethal interventions.
What happens next
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is mandated to finalize revisions to its chronic depredation directive by April 1, 2027.
Further reading
For more information on wildlife conservation efforts in the region, visit the National Parks section.
Live Poll
Should your state prioritize wolf population recovery even if it limits predator management on private land?
