First wolf pup born in Colorado since reintroduction

Biologists have confirmed one pup but say more may be possible

Colorado has seen its first wolf pup since the species was reintroduced in the state in December.

State biologists had been gathering evidence suggesting a gray wolf (Canis lupus) pair had been denning, indicating reproduction. On June 18, they confirmed a wolf pup in Grand County.

Although only one was verified, Colorado Parks and Wildlife says other pups may be present. A typical litter consists of four to six pups.

Because the wolves have successfully reproduced, they are now considered a pack. CPW has named them the Copper Creek Pack.

“We are continuing to actively monitor this area while exercising extreme caution to avoid inadvertently disturbing the adult wolves, this pup, or other pups,” said CPW Wildlife Biologist Brenna Cassidy, in a press release.

CPW staff plan to continue to monitor the pack and work with area landowners to minimize conflict.

Read more from Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Header Image: A wolf appears in Grand County Colorado in 2020. Credit: Jessica Freeman via Colorado Parks and Wildlife