CPW confirms first Colorado-born wolf pup

This month, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) found evidence that one wolf pup has been born in Grand County, and it is possible more are present.

This is the first confirmed Colorado-born wolf pup since the voter-approved wolf reintroduction in December. Because these wolves have successfully reproduced, they are officially considered a pack. The pack name is the Copper Creek Pack.

CPW biologists have been gathering evidence suggesting a male and female gray wolf pair have been denning, indicating reproduction. Some of this evidence includes GPS collar data.

The collared female’s GPS points stopped uploading in early April, and resumed uploading later in April. The points for the female's collar showed a very localized position. CPW biologists interpreted this to mean that she was likely in a den, and therefore not in communication with satellites. The lapse in connectivity aligned with the expected timing of wolf reproduction. At that point, CPW staff began diligently working to confirm the den and whether pups are present.

On June 18, CPW biologists confirmed one wolf pup in Grand County. The confirmation occurred during routine wolf monitoring with attempted observations from the air and ground, remote cameras and public sightings. There are no photos or videos at this time. Although biologists were only able to confirm one pup, wolf litters commonly consist of four to six.

“We are continuing to actively monitor this area while exercising extreme caution to avoid inadvertently disturbing the adult wolves, this pup, or other pups,” said CPW Wildlife Biologist Brenna Cassidy.

For additional information about wolves in Colorado, visit cpw.state.co.us and sign up for Gray Wolf Reintroduction eNews.

(Source: Colorado Parks and Wildlife.)