A narrow majority of Colorado voters approved Proposition #114 in November 2020. As a result, Gray wolves were reintroduced into Colorado using this approved ballot measure.
Colorado once had gray wolves roaming freely, but they were shot and killed in the 1940s during the state’s extermination campaign. Although wolves play an important role in the ecosystem, they can also pose a few challenges. As the wolf population in the region increases, farmers and ranchers worry about the safety of their livestock as well as about the impact on a big game.
So far, the reintroduction of wolves in Colorado has remained a hotly debated topic. If you’re interested in learning more about the wolves of Colorado and their evolving role in the state, staff from the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center are giving a presentation titled “Why Wolves?” at the Garden of the Gods Visitor Center on Saturday, April 9th at 1:30 p.m.
There is information about wolves’ behavior and characteristics and why wolves are vital to Colorado’s ecosystems. You won’t want to miss the opportunity to meet the center’s wolfdog ambassadors.
Each ticket costs $5, and pre-registration is required. Go here for registration.
Location: Garden of the Gods Visitor Center in the Red Rocks Room (1805 N. 30th Street, Colorado Springs)
Those who cannot make it to the presentation on Saturday but would like to learn more about wolves can visit the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center in Divide, Colorado. The center regularly hosts educational events and tours.
Newsweek report the Special Earth Day celebration is on Saturday, April 17th from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. There will be wolf tours and a chance to meet Rayne, the center’s eleven-month-old wolf pup. She was adopted from a wolf sanctuary in Texas and is 75% Tundra Wolf and 25% Arctic Wolf.
The event price is $40 for ages 12 and up and $20 for children ages 6 to 11. Make sure to do prepaid reservations by calling 719-687-9742.
Location: 4729 Twin Rocks Road, Divide, Colorado
Over the years, wolves are often misunderstood because they’re seen as vicious killers. But wolves are actually very friendly creatures who need our help. We can learn about them by educating ourselves about how they behave.