Overview
- An Oct. 10 letter from Director Brian Nesvik directs Colorado Parks and Wildlife to cease any capture, transport or release of wolves not obtained from the Northern Rocky Mountains region under the 10(j) rule.
- The directive confines sourcing to Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and parts of Oregon, Washington and Utah, excluding Canada and Alaska.
- Colorado has a signed agreement with British Columbia to relocate 10–15 wolves this winter, finalized before the state received the federal letter.
- Idaho, Montana and Wyoming have indicated they will not supply wolves to Colorado, creating a potential shortfall if the restriction stands.
- State officials say they are consulting the Interior Department and evaluating options as conservation advocates argue the agency is misreading a 2023 rule that listed the Northern Rockies as the preferred source.