Webinar: Wolves in Colorado: Science & Stories

[UngulateNerd92]

Quoted from the link;

"After a nearly 80-year absence, gray wolves appear to be on the verge of returning to Colorado. In July 2019, a lone radio-collared wolf became the state’s first confirmed Canis lupus sighting in the wild in years. Then, in January, a separate pack appeared in Moffat County in northwest Colorado. This November, voters will go to the polls to determine the fate of Ballot Proposition 114 which, if passed, would charge the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission with formally reintroducing wolves no later than 2023.

The potential return of this charismatic and controversial species has sparked a wide range of passionate reactions. Some Coloradans praise the restoration of an endangered apex predator to its ancestral range while pointing to the associated ecosystem benefits. Others are wary of the economic impact on agriculture and the challenges of adding wolves to the increasingly populated Western Slope. For generations, wolves and humans have navigated a fraught dynamic of coexistence. So what does the science tell us about the pros and cons of wolves returning to our backyard? And, if wolves are in Colorado’s future, how can society have an effective dialogue that uses science to inform policy and management?

In this special five-part webinar series, we’ll explore wolf reintroduction through the lens of science, policy, and lived experiences. Our diverse group of panelists will discuss the current state of wolf populations, dive into the data about the species’ role in the ecosystem, talk trade-offs, and hear firsthand stories from those who’ve already been living amongst wolves in other parts of the U.S.

The Science of Restoring Wolves to Colorado
Thursday, Sept. 24 at 5 p.m. MT

Media Coverage and Public Perceptions on Wolves
Thursday, Oct 1 at 5 p.m. MT

Community Perspectives and Conflict over Wolves
Thursday, Oct. 8 at 5 p.m. MT

The Values and Costs of Wolves
Thursday, Oct. 15 at 5 p.m. MT

The Experience of Living with Wolves
Thursday, Oct. 22 at 5 p.m. MT"

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Wolves in Colorado: Science & Stories. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.

 

[Jana]

Interesting development. But, why do they plan to reintroduce wolves at all? They should just be patient, they will come on their own, their US population is growing and they are very mobile animals. In meanwhile, the state should focus on mitigation of future conflicts between farmers and wolves. A strong information campaign about effective solutions - herd dogs, electric fences etc.

 

[UngulateNerd92]

Here is another relevant article from Defenders of Wildlife. I like the catchy title of it by the way...

Restoring the Howl to the Centennial State

Greta Thunberg said in April of 2019, “Humanity is now standing at a crossroads. We must now decide which path we want to take.” While we can’t save what has already been lost, we can preserve what remains.

This week is Wolf Awareness Week, a national awareness week that began in 1996, following the successful reintroduction of gray wolves to the Northern Rockies. For nearly three decades, the gray wolf has symbolized the potential we possess to rescue endangered and imperiled species. It is this enduring resiliency that has inspired our own logo, yet, despite the success, a combination of political, social and environmental factors continues to threaten the gray wolf’s recovery. This week offers us an opportunity to reflect on the gray wolf’s history, it’s progress and the opportunities that lie ahead.

Restoring the Howl to the Centennial State

 

[UngulateNerd92]

Here is another relevant article.

Returning Wolves to Colorado

With their striking looks and tell-tale howl, gray wolves are a symbol of the West. Once found throughout the state of Colorado and across the West, wolves were systematically killed by shooting, trapping and poisoning throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Now, it’s been more than 75 years since we’ve last heard their howl in the Southern Rockies. This November, we can change the course of history for wolves. Coloradans have an opportunity to vote YES on Proposition 114 to bring back the wolf and help restore the natural balance to the Centennial State for future generations. Join us and help “Restore the Howl” this November.

Returning Wolves to Colorado

 

[UngulateNerd92]

Economic considerations for reintroducing gray wolves into Colorado

After a close race, Colorado passed Proposition 114, allowing the reintroduction of gray wolves into the state. While there are myriad issues, perspectives and stakeholders surrounding this topic, one College of Agricultural Sciences professor has been researching the economic impact it could have on the state, including its ranchers.

Dana Hoag, a professor in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, who focuses on the intersection of agriculture and the environment, has worked collaboratively with the Warner College of Natural Resources as a member of The Center for Human-Carnivore Coexistence to help inform economic models, should the measure pass.

“[Wolves] are going to naturally colonize here sooner or later,” says Hoag. “This ballot initiative is going to put them on the map faster. The bottom line is that for a lot of ranchers, they feel like [the initiative] is introducing a dangerous pest.”

Economic considerations for reintroducing gray wolves into Colorado