CPW confirms calf killed by wolves in Jackson County

DENVER (KDVR) — Colorado Parks and Wildlife says a calf was killed in Jackson County on May 25 and a wolf is believed to be to blame.

Further details from CPW were not available Monday, but Steamboat Radio reported that a rancher suspects a wolf ate one of his calves. CPW is trying to determine whether the calf’s death was the result of a reintroduced wolf or a wolf that naturally migrated to the state.

The rancher told Steamboat Radio that another calf had also died, and attributed this to the calf being hunted to death by the wolves.

This was the second confirmed wolf attack in May. The first occurred on May 11. Predation is defined as an act of hunting or plundering – in this case, the wolves are plundering livestock farmers.

The two confirmed wolf attacks in May are dramatically different from those in April, when seven wolf attacks were reported. In total, four calves and three cattle were killed, and only one rancher filed a claim. That rancher received $1,514 for his calf, according to CPW. That’s because the state has set up a $175,000 wolf attack compensation fund that is paid out to ranchers.

Depredations caused by wolves can cost the state up to $15,000 per head of cattle.

The state plans to reintroduce more wolves between December and March 2025. 30 to 50 wolves are to be released over the next five years.