In the quiet countryside of Elbert County, Colorado, a rancher stumbled upon something far more sinister than a coyote in his trap—a gray wolf, miles away from where it should have been. This mysterious creature, without a tracking collar and hailing from the Great Lakes region, wasn’t one of Colorado’s known wolves. How it made the eerie journey across hundreds of miles remains a chilling puzzle. As wildlife officials scramble to unravel the truth, one question lingers: Did this wolf roam here on its own, or is there something more unsettling at play?
Gray Wolf Discovery in Colorado
In April 2024, a Colorado rancher found a surprising animal caught in a coyote trap on his land in Elbert County. Upon closer inspection, it was confirmed to be a gray wolf, a rare discovery for this part of the state. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) later verified that this wolf came from the Great Lakes population.
How Was the Wolf Identified?
After the rancher reported the trapped animal to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), officers collected tissue samples. These samples were sent to a lab for DNA testing, which confirmed the wolf’s origins. It was not one of the gray wolves recently released by CPW in December 2023, making the situation even more unusual.
Federal Protections for Great Lakes Wolves
The gray wolves from the Great Lakes region, unlike their Northern Rockies counterparts, are still protected under federal law as part of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The USFWS and CPW are now working together to investigate this discovery. Understanding how a protected wolf ended up in Colorado will be a key part of the investigation.
The Wolf’s Size and Trap Details
The wolf was an 84-pound male, caught in a leg-hold trap meant for coyotes. In Colorado, such traps are allowed under specific agricultural exemptions. However, body grip traps and cable devices are not legal in the state.
Where Did the Wolf Come From?
Elbert County is east of the Front Range, near larger populated areas like Colorado Springs and Denver. Despite its proximity to these cities, the area has had no reported wolf sightings in recent months. This adds mystery to how a Great Lakes wolf found its way to this part of Colorado.
GPS Tracking Collar Absent
Interestingly, the wolf did not have a GPS tracking collar, nor were there any signs that a collar had been removed. Colorado’s wolf activity map showed no known wolves passing through Elbert County recently. This has led to various theories, including whether the wolf could have been someone’s pet.
Wolves Can Travel Long Distances
Although some speculate the wolf may have been a pet, wolves are known for traveling great distances. In 2023, a wolf from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula was tracked over 4,000 miles. This proves that it’s possible for a wolf to roam hundreds or even thousands of miles.
Minnesota’s Large Wolf Population
Minnesota, part of the Great Lakes region, has the largest gray wolf population, with more than 2,500 wolves. Some packs have been observed as far south as Anoka County, Minnesota. This county is around 900 miles from Elbert County, Colorado, providing a potential explanation for the wolf’s journey.
Mystery Behind the Wolf’s Arrival
The exact reason why this wolf traveled to Colorado remains unclear. It may have been a natural roaming behavior, or perhaps it was aided in some way. The ongoing investigation will hopefully uncover more answers.
What’s Next for Colorado Wolves?
The USFWS and CPW are committed to understanding this situation. The discovery of a wolf from the Great Lakes region in Colorado raises important questions about wildlife movements. As the investigation continues, more details may come to light.
Tara is an ocean enthusiast who spends her time exploring the South African coastline. With an Honours Degree in Marine Biology and previous experience in Marketing, she now channels her passion for the marine environment into a career in Science Communication. Tara’s unique blend of expertise allows her to effectively bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and public understanding, promoting marine conservation and ocean protection.
