A Wolf Pack Was Just Spotted In Colorado For The First Time In Decades

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! If you live in Colorado, you have probably spotted these animals around the state (with the non-native tiger most likely being at your favorite zoo), but wolves, which are native to both North America and Eurasia? Probably not… that is, until today, as it was announced that a wolf pack was “likely present in Northwest Colorado.”

According to a January 8th press release from Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the presence of a wolf pack is “likely” in Northern Colorado, thanks to both eyewitness accounts and scavenged elk carcasses. 

Wikimedia Commons

Considered to be a predatory animal, wolves were eradicated entirely from Colorado in the 1940s, with only a few of the lone canines reported from then until now.

Flickr/Ralf Κλενγελ

As per CPW Northwest Regional Manager JT Romatzke, “We have no doubt that they are here, and the most recent sighting of what appears to be wolves traveling together in what can be best described as a pack is further evidence of the presence of wolves in Colorado.” 

Flickr/hehaden

In addition to eyewitness accounts and the mangled animal carcass, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has received reports of howling, tracks, and video footage (linked below), which adds to other “credible reports of wolf activity in Colorado over the past several years.”

Flickr/The Shared Experience

With wolves taking up residence in several other Rocky Mountain states (including Wyoming), their presence in Colorado has come as no surprise, with Colorado Parks and Wildlife predicting their return for quite some time. 

Flickr/The Wasp Factory

At this time, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife will be taking no further action; however, if you think you have seen or heard a wolf — or any evidence of one — you are asked to submit a report on the Colorado Parks’ website.

Flickr/Craig Dennis

If you do not live near Dinosaur National Monument (where the sightings occurred) and want to see a wolf pack in a safe environment, be sure to check out the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center in Divide. 

Flickr/Piefke La Belle

For even more unusual animal sightings around the Centennial State, check out These 5 Out-Of-Place Creatures Have Been Spotted In Colorado And You’ll Want To Steer Clear.

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Address: 4545 US-40, Dinosaur, CO 81610, USA

According to a January 8th press release from Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the presence of a wolf pack is “likely” in Northern Colorado, thanks to both eyewitness accounts and scavenged elk carcasses. 

Wikimedia Commons

Considered to be a predatory animal, wolves were eradicated entirely from Colorado in the 1940s, with only a few of the lone canines reported from then until now.

Flickr/Ralf Κλενγελ

As per CPW Northwest Regional Manager JT Romatzke, “We have no doubt that they are here, and the most recent sighting of what appears to be wolves traveling together in what can be best described as a pack is further evidence of the presence of wolves in Colorado.” 

Flickr/hehaden

In addition to eyewitness accounts and the mangled animal carcass, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has received reports of howling, tracks, and video footage (linked below), which adds to other “credible reports of wolf activity in Colorado over the past several years.”

Flickr/The Shared Experience

With wolves taking up residence in several other Rocky Mountain states (including Wyoming), their presence in Colorado has come as no surprise, with Colorado Parks and Wildlife predicting their return for quite some time. 

Flickr/The Wasp Factory

At this time, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife will be taking no further action; however, if you think you have seen or heard a wolf — or any evidence of one — you are asked to submit a report on the Colorado Parks’ website.

Flickr/Craig Dennis

If you do not live near Dinosaur National Monument (where the sightings occurred) and want to see a wolf pack in a safe environment, be sure to check out the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center in Divide. 

Flickr/Piefke La Belle

Wikimedia Commons

Flickr/Ralf Κλενγελ

Flickr/hehaden

Flickr/The Shared Experience

Flickr/The Wasp Factory

Flickr/Craig Dennis

Flickr/Piefke La Belle

For even more unusual animal sightings around the Centennial State, check out These 5 Out-Of-Place Creatures Have Been Spotted In Colorado And You’ll Want To Steer Clear.