A rancher in Elbert County, Colorado, contacted Colorado Parks and Wildlife after discovering a dead wolf-like animal in a legal coyote trap on April 3 on a ranch in eastern Colorado. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service confirmed that this animal is a gray wolf from the Great Lakes wolf population. This is not a wolf from the 10 recently released by Colorado Parks and Wildlife in December 2023.

As a federally listed species under the Endangered Species Act, the service is investigating this incident and is working in coordination with Colorado Parks and Wildlife. As an open and active investigation, no additional details are available at this time.

The animal was an 84-pound male captured by a trapper using a legal leg-hold trap on a 30-day agricultural trapping exemption for nuisance wildlife, including coyotes. The trapper was unable to identify the species and contacted a CPW officer who responded to examine the animal and investigate the circumstances of the animal’s death. 

Parks and Wildlife contacted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to assist in identifying the species of the animal. Tissue samples were collected and sent to a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lab for DNA analysis. A spokesman indicated genetic test results would be returned in four to six weeks but were confirmed to The Fence Post on April 18.

The National Wildlife Research Center lab was not aware of the animal and was not utilized for their laboratory services though they are located in Fort Collins, Colo.

According to CPW, no wolf activity has been observed in this area. No tracking collars worn by reintroduced or native wolves show a presence in Elbert County. The animal did not have a collar or show any signs that one had been removed.

A neighboring rancher said there is abundant food sources for predators with calving season in progress. He said stray dogs also pose a significant problem for ranchers in areas with increasing development, especially this time of year.

“It was probably someone’s pet at one time, he appeared to be pretty slick and fat for a wild wolf,” he said. “We don’t need any more wolves, we have enough problems with predators as it is.”

This wolf was discovered the same day that CPW confirmed the first wolf depredation of a calf in Grand County. Four days later on April 7, CPW confirmed a second wolf depredation of a calf in Jackson County. Another calf was attacked on April 13 and is receiving veterinary care. Four yearlings followed on April 16 and 17 in Grand County.

This story is from TheFencePost.com