Frequently Asked Questions about Gray Wolves

Key Takeaways

• Gray wolves are native to Colorado and Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). Wolves in Colorado are protected under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) and state law. Wolves within RMNP’s boundary are also protected under the Code of Federal of Regulations (36 CFR) like other native species present in the park. Hunting is prohibited in the park.
• Once distributed statewide, the gray wolf was extirpated from Colorado by the 1940s. In December 2023, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) initiated its Colorado Wolf Restoration and Management Plan by reintroducing 5 wolves in Grand County, CO and 5 wolves in Summit County, CO. We anticipate wolves will naturally return to the park as a result of these reintroduction efforts.
• Gray wolves are important apex predators that play a critical role in healthy, functioning ecosystems. The extirpation of wolves is one of several stressors that has led to degraded wetland ecosystems in the park.
• The return of wolves alone is unlikely to restore healthy, functional wetland processes in RMNP. The park will continue ongoing wetland restoration efforts and research.
• Always keep a safe distance when viewing wildlife. Whether you are in your vehicle or on foot, the park recommends maintaining a distance of at least 300 feet (91 meters) from wolves. Animals in the park are wild and may act aggressively if approached.

A gray wolf surrounded by vegetation.

NPS Photo/DENA

Who reintroduced the wolves?

On Dec. 18, 2023, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) initiated its Colorado Wolf Restoration and Management Plan by reintroducing 5 wolves in Grand County, CO at an undisclosed location on state land. A few days later, CPW released an additional 5 wolves in Summit County₁ . The restoration plan calls for 30-50 wolves to be reintroduced over a 3-5 year period₂.

Why did CPW reintroduce wolves?

In 2020, Colorado citizens voted Yes on Proposition 114, a ballot initiative that directed the State of Colorado to begin reintroducing wolves to the state by Dec. 31, 2023₂ . Gray wolves are native predators to Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) and the greater Rocky Mountain region. Wolves are apex predators and a keystone species that play a crucial role in maintaining the health, function, and balance of ecosystems.

Where are the wolves? Are they in the park?

Reintroduced wolves are fitted with GPS collars that transmit location information₂. Collar data show one of the reintroduced wolves traveled through areas of RMNP. As collars fail and wolves begin reproducing in Colorado, more untracked wolves will be living in the state.

CPW provides general wolf activity updates here: Collared Gray Wolf Activity Map

Wolves (back) are larger than coyotes (middle) and red foxes (front).

NPS/Michael Warner

Are wolf reintroductions planned for RMNP?

No. Subsequent wolf reintroductions as part of CPW’s Wolf Restoration and Management Plan will only occur outside the park.

Did I see a wolf or a coyote?

Wolves can be distinguished from other Canids (such as coyotes and foxes) by their physical features and size. Gray wolves are larger than coyotes standing 2.5 feet tall at shoulder height, weighing 80-120 pounds, and measuring up to 6 feet long (from tail to snout). Wolves are also characterized by broad snouts, tall legs and short, rounded ears₃. Coyotes are smaller, standing 1.5 feet tall at shoulder height, weighing 20-50 pounds, and measuring up to 4 feet long (from tail to snout). Coyotes have a narrow snout and tall, pointed ears.

In 2024, reintroduced wolves will also be more easily identified by GPS collars. When wolves begin reproducing in the future, more uncollared wolves will be living in the state.

A wolf pack in Yellowstone faces off against a bull elk.

NPS/Doug Smith

Will wolves restore ecosystems in RMNP?

Gray wolves are important apex predators that play a critical role in healthy, functioning ecosystems. The extirpation of wolves is one of several stressors that has led to degraded wetland ecosystems in the park. Other stressors include land use changes, an overabundant elk population, moose introduction outside of the park, and climate change. The return of wolves alone is unlikely to restore healthy, functional wetland processes in RMNP. The park will continue ongoing wetland restoration efforts as part of the Elk and Vegetation Management Plan, pilot restoration efforts as part of the Kawuneeche Valley Restoration Collaborative, and by conducting moose research that informs wetland restoration strategies.

What should I do if I encounter a wolf?

Always keep a safe distance when viewing wildlife. Wolves are shy and tend to avoid humans; however, wolf sightings or encounters could occur in RMNP, particularly during elk viewing activities or where elk are present. Whether you are in your vehicle or on foot, the park recommends maintaining a distance of at least 300 feet (91 meters) from wolves.

If you do encounter a wolf, remember the following:

• Give wolves space for your safety and theirs. If you see a wolf, do not approach it.

• If a wolf approaches you, do not run. Stop, stand tall, wave your arms, yell, and flare your jacket. If it continues, throw something at it or use bear pepper spray. Group up with other people, and continue waving and yelling.

• Never feed a wolf or any other wildlife. Feeding wolves can cause them to become habituated and lead to aggressive behavior towards humans.

• Keep children near you while hiking. Never leave small children unattended.

Resources and References

1. Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “CPW News Release”. Retrieved 2024 from https://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/News-Release-Details.aspx?NewsID=4003.

2. Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “Colorado Wolf Restoration and Management Plan” Retrieved 2024 from https://cpw.state.co.us/Documents/Wolves/2023-Final-CO-Wolf-Plan.pdf

3. Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “Living With Wolves.” Retrieved 2024 from https://cpw.state.co.us/Documents/Education/LivingWithWildlife/LivingWithWolves.pdf.