LISTEN: The Colorado gray wolf reintroduction effort

In November 2020, Colorado Proposition 114 passed and gave the state a mandate to reintroduce gray wolves. But how do biologists get to work on such a project, and what does it mean for the ecosystem?

In this episode, Katie Perkins and Ed Arnett of The Wildlife Society sat down with Brenna Cassidy and Eric Odell of Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) to unpack the Colorado gray wolf (Canis lupus) reintroduction program. Cassidy is the wolf monitoring and data coordinator, and Odell is the manager of the wolf conservation program.

The conversation explores ecological and behavioral questions surrounding gray wolf reintroduction. Can wolves trigger trophic cascades and change rivers? How are ungulate populations, such as elk (Cervus canadensis) and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), altering their behavior? Are predator dynamics shifting as wolves reestablish their range?

Odell and Cassidy also discuss CPW’s management approach to reducing human-wolf conflict, including depredation mitigation strategies and collaboration with landowners and conservation stakeholders.

“Our Wild Lives” is The Wildlife Society’s weekly podcast, sharing compelling stories from wildlife professionals doing critical work around the world. Your hosts, Katie Perkins and Ed Arnett, of The Wildlife Society, bring you thought-provoking conversations with leading experts and emerging voices.

New episodes are released weekly wherever you get your podcasts. Please email comms@wildlife.org with feedback or future episode suggestions.