Colorado gray wolf experimental population designation
As the result of a statewide voter-led initiative passed in November 2020, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has finalized a rule to establish an experimental population of gray wolves in Colorado under section 10(j) of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in support of the state of Colorado’s voter-mandated gray wolf reintroduction program. The final 10(j) rule became effective on December 8, 2023.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) intends to reintroduce the gray wolf in a portion of the species’ historical range in Colorado no later than December 31, 2023. CPW requested the designation of an experimental population under section 10(j) of the ESA to provide the state with increased flexibility to manage wolves once reintroduced in Colorado. Learn more about 10(j) rules here.
Current status
On November 7, 2023 the Service announced the final 10(j) rule to designate a nonessential experimental population of gray wolves in Colorado and final record of decision, which formally published in the Federal Register on November 8, 2023. This 10(j) rule became effective on December 8, 2023, 30-days after publication.
Information about Colorado Parks and Wildlife reintroduction efforts can be found on their Wolf Management webpage, including tips for living with wolves in Colorado.
