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CPW said at least 3 puppies have been spotted – and there may be more.
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colorado – Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Officials recently spotted at least three Gray Cubs along with two other collared wolves in the state, now known as M2101 “John” and F1084 “Jane,” the agency said on Wednesday.
Staff made three separate observations of the den site from a safe distance of about two miles between June 4 and 8, CPW said.
“Colorado is now home to our first litter of wolves since the 1940s,†Governor Jared Polis said. “We welcome this historic den and the new wolf family to Colorado. With voters voted last year on the initiative to require the wolf to be reintroduced by the end of 2023, these puppies will have plenty of partners. potential when they grow up to have a family of their own. ”
> Video above: Wolves Can Actually Help Prevent Some Car Crashes, Study Finds.
CPW said it is not yet confirmed that these are the only puppies and that a typical wolf litter consists of 4 to 6 puppies.
“We continue to actively monitor this den site while being extremely careful not to inadvertently compromise the potential survival of these puppies,” said CPW Wildlife Biologist Libbie Miller. “Our hope is that we will eventually have photos to document this momentous occasion in Colorado’s incredible and diverse wildlife history, but not disturbing them remains a primary concern.”
All three Cub scouts were done at dawn or dusk in low light conditions, and featured quite a bit of “John” and “Jane” movements with the little puppies, according to CPW.
CPW biologists and area staff are hoping to have more opportunities to observe the puppies as they grow older and spend more time outside the den.
“It’s amazing that these two adult animals have come the distance and overcome the challenges they face to get here, and now have puppies in Colorado,” said Kris Middledorf, area wildlife manager for CPW. “It’s our priority to make sure they have the chance to thrive, so while we have exciting news, we want to remind everyone that these animals remain endangered in Colorado.”
CPW said staff are working with landowners in the area to implement practices to minimize the risk of conflict.
In 2020, Colorado voters narrowly approved Proposition 114, which ordered CPW to reintroduce gray wolves to the state by the end of 2023.
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