In a bold step toward restoring ecological balance, Colorado has released 15 wolves from Canada as part of the state’s second round of a historic reintroduction program.
The initiative aims to reestablish a sustainable wolf population in the Rocky Mountains, where the species was eradicated nearly a century ago due to hunting and habitat loss. Wildlife officials transported the wolves from Alberta, carefully selecting individuals to ensure genetic diversity and increase the chances of successful integration into the wild.
The reintroduction, which began with the first release in late 2023, has been met with both excitement and controversy.
Conservationists applaud the move, highlighting the crucial role wolves play in maintaining healthy ecosystems by controlling deer and elk populations. However, some ranchers and local communities have expressed concerns about potential conflicts with livestock.
State officials are working closely with stakeholders to address these issues, offering compensation programs and non-lethal deterrents. As the wolves settle into their new environment, biologists will monitor their progress, hoping this effort marks a turning point in the broader movement to restore apex predators across North America.
https://phys.org/news/2025-01-colorado-wolves-canada-historic-reintroduction.html
