Although I would like to see wolves back in Colorado to balance ecological systems, I don’t think reintroduction is the best way for this to happen:
Compared to other states, our population is much larger with more activity in what would be wolf habitat. We don’t have the amount of continuous habitat acreage that neighboring states have so there would be more interaction with private lands, thus more possible predation.
The ranching industry would be adamantly opposed. This was evident at the Steamboat meeting lead by the Sierra Club. Even with easy and prompt compensation to the livestock owner, there would still be a “Shoot, shovel, and Shut Up” approach.
In our case, I know we would lose livestock to wolves. How am I compensated for that loss above the market value of the animal based on years of genetics behind that animal?
Like many west slope livestock producers, we have a federal grazing permit. The BLM and Forest Service require proper range management for the permits to be continued. We work closely with the range conservationist to ensure that we achieve sustainable grazing on the permit. This takes riding to encourage the livestock to spread around the permit. With wolves present on these lands, the livestock would congregate in safe areas, mainly trying to return home. I know our time and labor spent in distribution the livestock would increase dramatically, maybe to the point of being unable to use the permit. We have already seen this as a result in an increase in the bear population.
I am concerned that reintroduced wolves would disappear quickly because of offended private landowners near the area of reintroduction. I don’t think this is fair to the wolves.
Wildlife issues should not be decided by ballot, but by science.
Migration from Wyoming is already taking place with the reported sightings of wolves in Moffat, Jackson, and Routt County. In my view, migration will work better as the wolves will adapt more readily to safe zones. I compare this to my cows. They are accustomed to the pastures and the ranch. They know where they are safe and when they need to move. I feel wolves under migration would adapt to the same territory approach, knowing where they are safe versus areas to avoid. Migration will take much longer in pack establishment, but we will more easily adjust under this scenario.
The elk herds have been forced off their native habitat because of increased human activity (mountain biking, back country skiing, camping, hiking) and are spending most of their time on private lands. When ranchers move their cattle to higher pastures, the elk stay behind. The cattle then become the primary prey of the wolves.