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Wolf Dies During Routine Collaring Operation in Colorado
The three-year-old breeding male was part of the King Mountain Pack reintroduced in 2023.
Feb. 3, 2026 at 5:31pm
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A three-year-old breeding male wolf from the King Mountain Pack died during a routine collaring operation conducted by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) in Routt County. The cause of death is still pending a necropsy, but CPW says all standard safety protocols were followed. The operation was successful in collaring one adult female and a pup from the pack.
Why it matters
Wolf reintroduction in Colorado has been a controversial and closely watched effort, with this being the second wolf death since the program began in 2023. Monitoring the health and population of the reintroduced packs is crucial to the long-term success of the program.
The details
According to CPW, the deceased wolf was part of the King Mountain Pack, one of several wolf packs reintroduced to Colorado in 2023. The collaring operation was intended to help CPW monitor the pack's status and contribution to establishing a self-sustaining wolf population in the state. While the cause of death is still unknown, CPW says its staff and contractors followed all standard safety protocols during the capture and collaring process.
- The wolf died during a routine collaring operation on February 3, 2026 in Routt County.
- The King Mountain Pack was reintroduced to Colorado in 2023 as part of the state's wolf reintroduction initiative.
The players
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW)
The state agency responsible for managing Colorado's wildlife, including the wolf reintroduction program.
King Mountain Pack
One of the wolf packs reintroduced to Colorado in 2023 as part of the state's wolf restoration efforts.
Laura Clellan
Acting Director of Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Eric Odell
CPW Wolf Conservation Program Manager.
What they’re saying
“All wildlife capture operations come with a risk and while we meticulously prepare and take every precaution to ensure a positive outcome, there is always the possibility, even if small, that the worst happens.”
— Laura Clellan, Acting Director, Colorado Parks and Wildlife
“It's not yet possible to understand the long term implications to the King Mountain Pack as a result of this mortality. We will continue to monitor this pack to evaluate their status and how they are contributing to the establishment of a self-sustaining wolf population in Colorado.”
— Eric Odell, CPW Wolf Conservation Program Manager
What’s next
The results of the necropsy performed at the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Health Lab in Fort Collins will help determine the cause of the wolf's death.
The takeaway
This incident highlights the challenges and risks involved in wildlife management and conservation efforts, even when standard safety protocols are followed. Closely monitoring the health and population of reintroduced wolf packs remains crucial to the long-term success of Colorado's wolf restoration program.
