Gray Wolves Expand Their Range in Colorado

In late October and November 2025, Colorado's gray wolves have shown significant movement into central areas of the state, including watersheds that extend to the outskirts of metro Denver and near tribal lands to the south. According to a map released by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), the movements of 20 GPS-collared gray wolves were tracked, indicating their presence in various watersheds. The wolves roamed as far north as the Wyoming state line, east into Boulder, Jefferson, Adams, and Broomfield counties, and south to the northern edge of Archuleta County. Notable activity was observed around the Continental Divide, particularly near Walden, Granby, Vail, Aspen, and Gunnison.

Denver PostWJZ - CBS Baltimore

The reintroduction of gray wolves to Colorado began two years ago, with CPW reporting the establishment of at least four packs: the Copper Creek Pack in Pitkin County, the One Ear Pack in Jackson County, the King Mountain Pack in Routt County, and the Three Creeks Pack in Rio Blanco County. The state has also entered into agreements with the Southern Ute Tribe and is working on a similar agreement with the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe to address the potential impacts of wolf reintroduction on tribal lands.

WJZ - CBS Baltimore

Luke Perkins, a spokesperson for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, noted that the agency will not confirm whether wolf pups born this year have successfully integrated into the population until later this winter. The latest map indicates that at least one collared wolf was detected in the watersheds extending into Boulder and Jefferson Counties, marking a notable expansion of their range.

Denver Post

Despite the positive developments in wolf population growth, future plans for additional gray wolf introductions in Colorado remain uncertain. A recent meeting indicated that the next round of gray wolves would not be sourced from Washington state, raising concerns among conservationists about the sustainability of the reintroduction efforts.

Denver Post

• “It shows the animals have moved closer to the Front Range than ever before.” — Colorado Parks and Wildlife

WJZ - CBS Baltimore

As Colorado Parks and Wildlife continues to monitor the movements of the gray wolves, stakeholders will be watching closely for updates on the status of the wolf population and any future plans for further reintroduction efforts. The ongoing collaboration with tribal authorities will also be crucial in managing the impacts of these apex predators in the region.

Denver Post