Will you be affected by the return of wolves to Colorado?

Colorado is home to many predators, including bears, mountain lions, coyotes and wolves.  Our People and Predators website provides a variety of information, education, and networking opportunities about these interesting but sometimes controversial animals.   Click through the tabs above to learn more about predators or about how to protect livestock from predators.  You can find information about Extension educational opportunities by clicking on Resources link above, or you may want to visit one of the following sites: 

Colorado Parks and Wildlife

USDA – Wildlife Services

Center for Human-Carnivore Coexistence

People and Predators Series

The People and Predators Series was developed by the CSU Center for Human-Carnivore Coexistence in partnership with the CSU Center for Collaborative Conservation and CSU Extension. The People and Predator Series provides information on the interactions between humans and carnivores including carnivore ecology, wildlife and livestock management, economics, and social aspects of living with predators. 

PDF files combined in an informational package

• Dialogue and Social Conflict about Wolves (5/20)
• Ecological Effects of Wolves (5/20)
• Moral Arguments Related to Wolf Restoration and Management (6/20)
• Public Perspectives on Wolves and Wolf Reintroduction (5/20)
• Wolves and Disease (5/20)
• Wolves and Human Safety (5/20)
• Wolves, Big Game, and Hunting (5/20)
• Wolves and Livestock (5/20)
• Wolf Economics (6/20)
• Wolves in Colorado: History and Status (5/20)
• Wolf Policy (5/20)
• Wolf Taxonomy and Biology (5/20)

Wolves in Colorado: Science and Stories

In this special five-part webinar series, explore wolf reintroduction through the lens of science, policy, and lived experiences. A diverse group of panelists discuss the current state of wolf populations, dive into the data about the species’ role in the ecosystem, talk trade-offs, and hear firsthand stories from those who’ve already been living amongst wolves in other parts of the U.S.

A Special Virtual Presentation of the Institute for Science & Policy and Colorado State University’s Warner College of Natural Resources, in partnership with the Center for Collaborative Conservation, the Center for Human-Carnivore Coexistence, CSU Extension, and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

• Episode 1: The Science of Restoring Wolves to Colorado
  Watch the full recording and read the recap
• Episode 2: Media Coverage and Public Perspectives on Wolves
  Watch the full recording and read the recap
• Episode 3: Community Perspectives and Conflict over Wolves
  Watch the recording and read the recap
• Episode 4: The Values and Costs of Wolves
  Watch the full episode and read the recap
• Episode 5: The Experience of Living With Wolves
  Watch the full episode and read the recap

Videos and Websites

National Wildlife Research Center – Carnivore Research

Publications

Non-lethal Management

• Multiple Practices
  • Defenders of Wildlife Conflict Reduction
  • Livestock and Wolves
  • People and Carnivores – Tool Resource Guide
  • Reducing Conflict With Wolves, Grizzly Bears, and Elk
  • Tool Kit – Grizzly Bear Conflict Resolution
  • Learning to Live with Wolves
  • Wolf Resource Guide

• Livestock/Guardian Dogs
• Fladry/Electric Fencing
  • A Wyoming Landowner’s Handbook to Fences and Wildlife
  • Fladry Manual
  • Installing Turbo Fladry Guide

• Carcass Management
• Scare Devices (To Be Added)
• Non-Lethal Shots

Lethal Control Options (To Be Added)

Assistance

• Documenting Predictions – To Be added
• Compensation Programs
• Cost-sharing Programs – To Be added
• Technical Assistance – To be added
• Other Programs – To be added

Learning from Experience:  Using Western Ranchers’ Experience to Prepare for the Wolf’s Return to Colorado

Produced by Colorado State University Extension in partnership with  CSU Center for Human-Carnivore Coexistence, and CSU Center for Collaborative Conservation.

This Video is for Informational Purposes Only

Wildlife is part of what makes Colorado a beautiful place to live. In recent years, wolves returned to the state of Colorado as a part of their natural migration patterns and in 2020 voters approved Proposition 114 directing state wildlife managers to reintroduce more through managed efforts.

Colorado State University Extension produced this video to provide useful information for Colorado ag producers as they adapt to growing wolf populations across the state. The featured interviews share the experience and knowledge of ranchers in areas where wolves have been present for over 20 years. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of CSU Extension or Colorado State University.

Rethinking Livestock Management on a Predator Filled Landscape

A presentation by Cameron Krebs, a rancher in Eastern Oregon, on his approach to keep his sheep herd safe from predator animals.

Additional Resources

There are many resources on the internet that can provide you with information about predators like wolves, coyotes, bears, bobcats and lions.  We provide a few suggestions below.  If you would like more detailed assistance, please contact your local Extension agent. 

Government Websites

• Colorado’s Wolf Restoration and Management Plan
  • Public Engagement Site
  • FAQs About Wolves
  • Colorado Parks & Wildlife
• USDA APHIS
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife – Gray Wolf

Private Stakeholder Websites

• Western Landowners Alliance – Working Wild Change
• People and Carnivores
• Blackfoot Challenge

Educational Opportunities – To Be Added

Extension Training

Presentations from Oct 2023 training in Palisade

• Preventative Strategies for Wolf Predation Management
• Western Landowners Alliance- Overview
• Western Landowners Alliance- Regional Conservation Partnership Program
• The 4Cs: A systems-based framework for conflict reduction
• CPW’s Wolf Conflict Minimization and Compensation Programs
• Developing and using beef herd metrics
• Economic impacts related to wolves
• Rancher & community dialogues
• Rocky mountain wolf project
• Blackfoot Challenge- An overview of our organization and our response to wolves

Producers’ Organizations and Information

• Western Landowners Alliance 
• Colorado Parks and Wildlife – Wolves 
• Colorado Parks and Wildlife – Wolves FAQs
• Colorado Farm Bureau 
• Colorado Cattlemen’s Association 
• Colorado Wool Growers Association 
• Rocky Mountain Farmers Union