Talking points to consider:
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) reintroduced 10 wolves, and the reintroduced population now consists of 7 adult wolves and 5 pups, marking a significant achievement.
- This progress is just the beginning of the journey toward a self-sustaining wolf population.
- A self-sustaining population requires 150-200 wolves.
- Current numbers are far from meeting this critical target.
- Continuing introductions is essential to bolster genetic diversity, prevent inbreeding, and provide for the long-term health and viability of this isolated wolf population.
- Higher wolf densities improve individual survival rates and reduce mortality risks.
- Colorado’s wolf reintroduction is key to the health and viability of North America’s entire grey wolf population.
- Cutting funding now would: waste significant initial investment, contradict the explicit will of Colorado voters, and undermine years of careful scientific planning.
- CPW has developed effective conflict minimization programs, which include:
- Site assessments to reduce livestock-wolf interactions.
- Expanded capacity for conflict specialists.
- A new Range Rider program to monitor and manage interactions.
- Carcass management best practices.
- Grant programs supporting non-lethal conflict reduction measures.
