LARIMER COUNTY, Colo. — A gray wolf that was released by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) as part of the animal's reintroduction in December 2023 was found dead in Larimer County.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said it became aware of the dead animal on April 18. The service is investigating the death since the gray wolf is listed under the Endangered Species Act.
The carcass has been sent for a necropsy to determine the cause of death. Preliminary evidence suggests the wolf died of natural causes, according to U.S. Fish and Wildlife.
The wolf was one of 10 that were released as part of the animal's reintroduction. CPW released its first five gray wolves on Dec. 18, 2023, at an undisclosed place in Grand County as part of the May 2023 approval of the Colorado Wolf Restoration and Management Plan. Five more were released a few days later in Grand and Summit counties. All 10 were collared.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with CPW in its investigation. No further details were provided.
This is the second dead wolf to be found in the state. A deceased wolf was found on April 3 in Elbert County. It was not part of the reintroduction group and was part of the Great Lakes wolf population.
