Another Reason to End Colorado's Failed Wolf Reintroduction Program

Washington just delivered a major blow to Colorado’s troubled wolf reintroduction effort.

This morning, the Washington Fish & Wildlife Commission voted 8–1 to reject Colorado’s request for up to 15 wolves to be transferred this winter. Even Washington officials who support wolf recovery said their hands were tied — because Washington still lists its wolves as state-endangered after last year’s controversial commission vote.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and CPW Director Jeff Davis personally appealed for the wolves, but Washington commissioners cited:

🔹 Public opposition across their state

🔹 Policy conflicts over removing “endangered” wolves

🔹 Concerns about impact on Washington’s own population

🔹 The need for more information before any transfer

🔹 The risks and stress translocation puts on wolves

Several commissioners noted that while Washington could supply wolves biologically, they would not pull endangered animals from their state for Colorado’s political timetable.

In short: Colorado is running out of places willing to give up wolves.

Washington’s decision follows similar hesitations or refusals from other Northern Rockies states after federal agencies limited Colorado’s sourcing options.

Colorado voters were told this program would be simple. Instead, it’s become a multi-year scramble for wolves that other Western states don’t want to give up — while ranchers, rural communities, and wildlife continue to bear the cost of rushed policy.

If Colorado can’t even secure wolves from partner states, what does that say about the viability of this program?

This is yet another sign that it’s time to end Colorado’s failed wolf reintroduction experiment before the damage gets worse.