Colorado Parks and Wildlife Advances Wolverine Restoration Plan

The Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Commission recently cast a final vote on the Wolverine Restoration Plan, marking a significant procedural step toward reintroducing the species to the state's high alpine regions after an absence of more than a century. This structured conservation effort, authorized by legislation passed in 2024, includes provisions for compensating livestock owners who may incur losses due to the return of the predator.

The legislative foundation for this initiative, Senate Bill 24-171, which was signed into law in May 2024, allocates $1.7 million for the program over the next four years. Historically, unregulated hunting and poisoning eliminated Colorado's wolverine population by the early 20th century, with the last confirmed sighting of a transient male occurring in 2009, an animal that had traveled from Wyoming before being shot in North Dakota. Colorado is considered to possess approximately 20% of the total suitable wolverine habitat in the lower 48 contiguous United States.

CPW's reintroduction strategy centers on the translocation of up to 45 wolverines over several years, with an initial focus on the central mountains near areas such as Aspen and Vail. The agency has scheduled releases to target pregnant females captured between November and January to maximize reproductive success. Prior to release, the animals will undergo veterinary examination and be fitted with GPS collars at the Frisco Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.

Official commencement of the relocations remains contingent upon resolving key administrative requirements. A crucial prerequisite is the finalization of a Section 10(j) rule from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). This designation, if approved, would grant CPW management authority over this population, classifying it as non-essential and experimental, which is vital for the program's long-term execution. Furthermore, CPW must complete a comprehensive stakeholder communication plan.

This conservation measure aligns with the wolverine's federal status as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), a designation made in 2023. The USFWS estimates fewer than 50 wolverines remain in the contiguous United States, making the potential success in Colorado—which could support an estimated 100 animals—a substantial boost, potentially increasing the western U.S. population by nearly 30 percent. The plan is expected to proceed with administrative steps, including establishing rules for livestock compensation and finalizing the communications strategy before physical releases begin.