For Immediate Release: June 2, 2026
Contact:
Delaney Rudy, Western Watersheds Project, 970-648-4241, delaney@westernwatersheds.org
Rancher Reveals Ranch Hand Shot Mother Wolf of the King Mountain Pack
The mother wolf was killed in March for just moving through a pasture, orphaning at least 4 pups. The father had already died in a CPW collaring operation.
DENVER — A rancher’s comment letter from a Fish and Wildlife Service request for information revealed that the mother wolf of the king mountain pack was purposely shot on March 10th on the Nottingham Ranch north of Eagle, which was confirmed by Coloradoan reporting.
This appears to be an illegal killing, a violation of the Endangered Species Act, as the wolf was just moving though the pasture and not actively attacking cattle. It was also unethical as this rancher knew that the male wolf of this pack had died during a CPW collaring operation, and acknowledged the mother had four pups. Those pups are now orphaned, and are more likely to get into trouble with livestock or starve without their family unit.
“It was heartbreaking to learn of the loss of the King Mountain mother wolf and the orphaning of her pups when CPW confirmed it in March, but the news that they deliberately killed her for just running across the landscape is deeply discouraging,” said Delaney Rudy, Colorado Director for Western Watersheds Project. “We have to hold those responsible fully accountable under the law, and set the standard that residents in Colorado are expected to coexist with these native animals rather than indiscriminately killing endangered species.”
The rancher had been reimbursed $7,500 previously for the death of 3 calves due to confirmed wolf predation, and requested a lethal take permit as a result. CPW rightfully denied her request because her ranch was operating an open trash pit, which lures wolves to the area. It’s important to note that nearly all of the conflict issues in the state have been initiated by ranchers and their pit management. These attractants lure wolves and habituate them to artificial food sources, which sets wolves up for more conflict.
In addition to CPW’s broad programs to support livestock producers adapt to the return of the native predator, the Born to Be Wild license plate has generated over $1.3 million to fund nonlethal coexistence programs. “It’s now on the ranchers to use the tools and learn to coexist,” said Rudy.
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Western Watersheds Project (WWP) is a non-profit organization with more than 50,000 members and supporters. WWP’s mission is to protect and restore western watersheds and wildlife through education, public policy initiatives, and legal advocacy. WWP works to ensure that public lands and their wildlife, cultural, and natural resources are protected for future generations.
