With wolf pup(s) on the ground, state’s wildlife director insists on non-lethal response to livestock killings

By Thelma Grimes | Colorado Politics

The chief of Colorado Parks & Wildlife insisted that “non-lethal” means of managing wolves that kill livestock is crucial especially now that the two wolves brought to Colorado have a pup. 

“And we believe that there are more pups within the recently named pack,” Jeff Davis said in a round of letters in June with Sen. Janice Rich, who questioned whether he is taking the concerns of citizens who are being “impacted by wolf depredation seriously.”

“Again,” Davis said, “deployment of non-lethal actions will be critical in avoiding and minimizing future interactions between wolves and livestock as well as people.”

The round of letters confirmed the familiar points of contention between Davis and state policymakers who have criticized the state’s handling of the wolf reintroduction program. The letters also offered a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the conflict that has strained the relationship between wildlife officials and ranchers. 

READ THE FULL STORY AT COLORADO POLITICS