Colorado Parks and Wildlife is moving forward with plans to reintroduce the wolverine in the state in 2027. Representatives of the nonprofit Defenders of Wildlife will hold two informational outreach events in Gunnison.
With fewer than 300 remaining North American wolverines in existence, this elusive creature was listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act in 2023. The Colorado reintroduction plan is a strategic step to expand wolverine habitat and to revitalize their dwindling numbers.
“Current and increasing impacts of climate change and associated habitat degradation and fragmentation are imperiling the North American wolverine,” said Pacific Regional Director Hugh Morrison of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in a press release.
Prior to the early 1900s, wolverines inhabited the mountains of Colorado. Although they weren’t the primary targets of the eradication campaigns directed towards other high-alpine carnivores like wolves and bears, they were vulnerable to them due to the fact that they are scavengers.
Despite the similarity of their names, wolverines are not related to wolves. They are actually the largest land-dwelling member of the weasel family. These elusive carnivores can endure harsh, cold climates and tend to favor extremely remote high-alpine areas. While they do occasionally hunt, they are primarily scavengers, which is their most important ecological role, as they aid in the removal of carrion and assist in nutrient cycling.
“We anticipate their reintroduction to cause very little conflict, as wolverines don’t like to be around populated areas or livestock,” said Defenders of Wildlife representative Kaitie Schneider.
In 2024, the Colorado legislature passed a bill paving the way for the reintroduction. The legislation includes a provision to compensate ag producers if wolverines are found to be responsible for livestock predation.
“Wolverines are a species we have been looking to reintroduce since the 90s,” said John Livingston of Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “We have hired Dr. Robert Inman –– one of the leading experts on wolverines to work with CPW and are currently working with the federal government [on the next steps of the process].”
Although the exact date and details of the wolverines’ Colorado reintroduction are still unknown, Schneider says that they estimate that they will release 30-45 animals in three different zones around the state by 2027.
The Defenders of Wildlife are hosting two free educational events in Gunnison this week. The first will be held today from 5:30-7 p.m. at Fred Field Center and the second will take place Saturday Aug. 2 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Gunnison Library. Refreshments will be provided.
(Gia Wright is a Gunnison-based freelance writer.)
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