A long-awaited measure from Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission will allow ranchers to use lethal management on gray wolves under specific guidelines.
The new guidelines paved the way for ranchers to obtain a permit to kill a wolf “that is caught in the act of attacking livestock or working dogs (but not any other pets or hunting dogs) on their land.”
The permits can also be issued retroactively if the rancher submits proper evidence to the agency and reports the killing within 72 hours.
The announcement on Thursday followed a 6-4 vote from the commission and public meeting in Grand County.
After 10 gray wolves were released in December, the population expanded from two to 12 wolves in Grand and Summit counties where many voters had opposed the reintroduction, according to Outdoor Life.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife confirmed 11 cattle depredations between December and June 17 by gray wolves in Grand and Jackson Counties. Some ranchers say the number is even higher.
The Colorado Wolf Restoration Temporary Working Group will meet throughout the summer and the new lethal management guidelines will go into effect August 1st.
