Newly released Colorado wolves linked to depredation in Grand County

Colorado has its first verified livestock depredation courtesy of the state’s newly released wolves. A rancher discovered the dead calf last week in Grand County. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) confirmed the calf was killed by a wolf, according to The Denver Post.

While CPW would not confirm if the incident was a single wolf or multiple, spokesperson Travis Duncan did say the wolf or wolves involved were part of the 10 released back in December. According to CPW Area Wildlife Manager Jeromy Huntington, “the calf carcass had teeth marks on its hindquarters and neck and hemorrhaging under its hide, all of which are consistent with a wolf attack.”

Wolf tracks were also discovered by investigators.

Out of the 10 wolves released in December, all are outfitted with GPS collars that record their location every four hours; however, one collar stopped working over the last month.

The rancher will receive fair-market compensation through the state’s reimbursement program in place for those who have depredation caused by wolves, according to The Denver Post