Statment Regarding Copper Creek Wolf Pack

Rocky Mountain Farmers Union is disappointed to hear that the Copper Creek wolf pack is again harassing and killing cattle. While we commend CPW for taking steps when this pack was depredating livestock in North Park, it is evident now that these were not just opportunistic depredations. Clearly, the measures that Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) implemented regarding this pack were not sufficient, and this pack is now putting livestock and the livelihoods of our ranchers in peril. CPW officers and staff must be allowed to follow the Wolf Management Plan that was developed through a vigorous stakeholding process with input from experts, ranchers, and community members.  The Copper Creek wolf pack is a chronically depredating pack and should be labeled as such. If this pack is not classified as chronically depredating and lethal control measures are not authorized, they will continue to ravage livestock herds and continue to cost ranchers and, ultimately, taxpayers in an unsustainable way. We call on CPW to take steps to address these issues and properly manage this wolf pack.