Copper Creek Pack Operations: Frequently Asked Questions
- How many animals did CPW capture and where are they being kept?
- CPW biologists were able to capture both adults (2309 and 2312) and four pups. All animals were transported to a secure location.
- For the safety of these animals and staff, and to protect private landowner information, CPW will not be sharing the location of the pack.
- Will the wolves ever be released?
- There is no evidence that the four pups were involved in any of the livestock depredation incidents in Grand County. If it is determined that the pups can thrive, CPW plans to release them when they will be adult-sized and able to hunt on their own or together in a pack.
- If CPW decides to re-release the adult female, she will be closely monitored.
- CPW will have conversations with elected officials and ranchers in possible release areas before any release occurs.
- What was the timeline of the operation?
On Thursday, August 22, CPW began the operation to capture and relocate wolves from the depredating Copper Creek wolf pack, with technical support from federal partners.
- The adult female 2312-OR was captured on Sunday, August 25.
- The adult male 2309-OR was captured on Thursday, August 29 and died on Tuesday, September 3.
- The male pup 2401 was captured on Tuesday, September 3.
- Male pups 2403 and 2405 were captured on Wednesday, September 4.
- The female pup 2402 was captured on Thursday, September 5.
After three more days of operations that included nighttime howling and camera monitoring, CPW felt confident there were no additional pups on the landscape. For the safety of these animals and staff, CPW will not be sharing the location of the pack.
- How can CPW legally relocate wild animals to a sanctuary or rehabilitation facility?
These animals are still under the exclusive ownership, possession and control of CPW and are being temporarily held. We are working to improve the condition of the animals as we assess our next steps.
- When did you know how many pups were in the pack?
CPW biologists used many methods to determine how many pups were in the Copper Creek pack and spent the final three days confirming we had captured all animals.
- What was the depredation history of the two adults (2309-OR and 2312-OR) in the Copper Creek pack prior to their relocation to Colorado?
The female did not have a known pack and no depredation history was suspected. Although the male came from the Wenaha Pack, as noted in the blog, this pack had not had any depredations since October. The period of a few months without an incident in this pack indicated chronic depredation was not an issue, and that it would be a good source for Colorado’s reintroduction program. No wolves were removed from this pack as a management action by ODFW and there had been no further depredations when CPW was performing capture operations in Oregon. We followed the guidelines provided by our Technical Working Group: If a pack has had infrequent depredation events, they should not be excluded as a source population.
More information: CPW’s Wolf Selection Process, as well as the press release announcement on December 22, 2023, of the successful completion of gray wolf capture work in Oregon.
- Has CPW come up with a definition of “chronic depredation?”
CPW has not yet defined chronic depredation. In June, a small ad-hoc working group was created. This group, consisting of producers, wolf advocates, CDA and CSU, will provide input and explore potential alternatives to address chronic depredation as CPW continues its work to implement Colorado’s Gray Wolf Reintroduction plan.
We will be presenting the results and input from this group to the Parks and Wildlife Commission in October.
- What experts outside of the agency did CPW partner with for the capture operation?
CPW worked with multiple agencies, biologists and wolf experts in developing this unique relocation plan.
- Does the 10(j) give CPW the authority to capture the wolves? If not, how was CPW legally able to capture an endangered animal?
Yes. The 10(j) rule allows CPW, which is a designated agent of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to take wolves in a variety of circumstances.
- How was 2309 injured?
The final conclusion related to the source of injuries to 2309 will be determined by a full necropsy. Wildlife biologists on site assessing the health of the animals during the operation concluded that the injuries were present before the wolf was captured.
- Why take the steps to capture the animals when CPW previously denied lethal removal?
The denial focused on events occurring between April and mid-July. The events that took place after the denial was issued led to the development of this approach. These steps were taken to ensure that these wolves, who were in an untenable situation, had the best opportunity to continue to contribute to the restoration efforts.
- Who is CPW talking to as a new source for wolves?
CPW is considering several potential source partners that will meet the goals outlined in the Colorado Wolf Restoration and Management Plan. CPW has not previously commented on such government-to-government negotiations, and will not do so now, but will publicly announce any conclusions to those negotiations. We are committed to following the laws of Colorado, including for successful wolf restoration in Colorado and publicizing sensitive discussions could impact our ability to come to an agreement.
13. Can I view a recording of the September 9, 2024, virtual media availability on the Copper Creek Pack operation with CPW panelists Director Jeff Davis, Deputy Director of Policy Reid DeWalt and Wolf Conservation Program Manager Eric Odell?
Yes, here is a link to the recording.