Four more cattle have been killed this week by wolves in Grand County.
With the recent attacks, a total of six animals have been killed in April during what is considered to be the heart of calving season. The other two livestock, both calves, were killed in Grand and Jackson counties.
Grand County Commissioner Merrit Linke, himself a rancher, told Colorado Politics the four livestock, all yearlings, came from the same ranch. Three were killed between Monday night and Tuesday morning, while the fourth was Wednesday night.
A statement issued Thursday afternoon by Colorado Parks and Wildlife confirmed the attacks.
CPW received a report of a possible depredation incident in Grand County Wednesday morning, the statement said. Wildlife officers and a biologist responded and conducted a field investigation.
"The field investigation found injuries consistent with wolf depredation on three deceased yearling (an animal that is a year old) cattle. CPW believes the depredation occurred between Monday night and Tuesday morning, when a storm brought a foot of snow to the area covering up the carcasses and delaying their discovery until Wednesday."
Thursday morning, CPW received a report of a possible fourth depredation incident at the same property and found evidence confirming this to be a wolf-livestock depredation.
"The field investigation found injuries on one dead yearling cattle consistent with wolf depredation, including hemorrhaging and partially consumed hindquarters," the statement said.
CPW also confirmed wolves from the pack of 10 released in Grand County in December were in the area.
The department is finalizing a range rider plan to assist livestock producers to deter wolf and livestock conflict. "Communication between CPW, CDA and livestock producers is a top priority during calving season."
Colorado Parks and Wildlife said the producer would be eligible for fair market value compensation if a claim is submitted. More specifically, the cattle's owner can be compensated by the state for the animal’s market value, up to $15,000.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife released 10 wolves into Grand County in December. All the wolves came from Oregon, several from packs with a history of livestock predation, despite a pledge from CPW to avoid picking wolves with that history.
Wolves in Jackson County have killed 16 cattle and calves, working dogs and sheep. Those wolves, however, came into Colorado several years ago from Wyoming. Two wolves from that original group are still believed to be in Colorado.
The dozen wolves in Colorado are all collared, although their offspring, if any, are not.
(18) comments
I can appreciate the wolf-predator being a part of the natural order. Trouble is, the natural order is already askew and today there exists an overabundance of predator's at the top of the food chain. Sorry wolves, it’s inevitable. Cross the divide, scarf down a few kitty’s on the front range and you’ll be voted off the planet (or maybe just the Zoo).
Oh no! 0.00023% of the 2.6 million cattle in Colorado have been killed by native predators!
How will the fully-reimbursed ranchers or our state economy *ever* recover?
Stop the fear-mongering.
Whatever small percentage, my point is that it’s painful for these new born calves to have to through the experience. Granted they’re part of the food chain.. I guess myself including others feel the pain
If a wolf attacked our family dog, I’d shoot that predator in the blink of an eye. 100% K9 owners would agree..
I have to agree with Ruraljuror. The welfare ranchers are getting far to much from we the people, taxpayers and citizens who value our PUBLIC LANDS. These "for profit" turkeys calling the shots for the BLM and CPW are a joke to what is legal and what is moral. That land belongs to us and it pleases me to have nature restored as opposed to some rancher getting something for little or nothing!
That’s what happens when folks from Denver and Boulder vote from the big metropolitan areas….they signed a death warrant for these amazing animals.
👍 100%
Agree
[angry]. These ranchers need to realize that they can’t sit by idyll and not expect depredation on their cattle. Range riders are a start but getting some guard wolf dogs that can chase a wolf and kill it if necessary need to be trained by the breeder from puppyhood and also trained to chase and kill wolves if they come near livestock. Kangal dogs or Kangal cross with a Great Pyrenees, and other large dogs that are bred for this specific reason need to be intermingled with the herd. This type of dog is an attack dog as opposed to an alert dog. Wolves hate dogs and see them as intruders. Getting and trying the best attack dog would be ideal. You may have to go out of state for the Kangals.. Check out.www.kangaldogclubofamerica
Maybe you could finance that for them. That wo
All well and good, An attack dog will chase down the wolves, however during the fight they will possibly get injured just a bit, which means a trip to the vet. A bullet would be the cleanest and best solution.
IMHO.
Ok, enough is enough! Time to start shooting these predators immediately. Way to go folks whoever you are that voted for this ridiculous reintroduction. It’s time for our hard working ranchers to take this into their own hands. $15,000 per every calf killed. WOW! and we the taxpayers will pay for this.. The suffering these baby calves are experiencing being brutally attacked is inhumane. Get a grip folks.
Yes TMK I see you think you're smarter than Mother Nature but I beg to differ. The predators are an integral part of a balance that you obviously do NOT comprehend so your solution is nil. I'm voting for ESA protection so you and those who believe as you do will be severely fined for any action you take. The land does not belong to you!
Many species go extinct each year by......... 'mother nature'. >_>
Where is her balance in that?
you are the one throwing the bs around
You seem to think “our lands” pertains only to what’s acceptable in your opinion, get a grip. CPW was so determined to reintroduce the predators they didn’t care I where they came and ignored their history, same liberal mind set we see every day, consequences only matter if they trigger your feelings.
What "liberal mind set" is that? The voters spoke and CPW carried out the will of the voters. I have 40 years of volunteer work experience in the state's conservation community. Worked in several rural, multi-year, community-based collaborations during that time. I lean center-right politically. My vote for re-introduction was an informed vote. I support ranchers receiving reasonable reimbursement. But I also note that ranchers who run stock on our federal public lands; USFS & BLM; also receive a massive taxpayer subsidy in the form of grazing fees that are much lower than fees to run stock on state or private land. As a result of the fee issue, my sympathy for ranchers losing stock goes only so far.
Perfectly stated.
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