Wolves in Colorado: Science & Stories

About Resource

In the webinar series The Wolves in Colorado: Science & Stories, the Institute of Science and Policy at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science in Colorado, Colorado State University's Warner College of Natural Resources, along with other partners, organized a diverse group of panelists to discuss the current state of wolf populations, dive into the data about wolves’ role in the ecosystem, talk trade-offs, and hear firsthand stories from people who in other parts of the United States that are home to wolf populations. This innovative virtual event series was held during the COVID-19 pandemic and ahead of the November 2020 election and considered Colorado citizens’ perspectives on the potential impact of reintroducing grey wolves to the state through a controversial ballot proposition. Some residents recognized the benefits to local ecosystems to be gained by restoring the endangered predator to its original habitat, and others were concerned about the impacts of wolf populations on agriculture, ranching, and recreation.

Proposition 114 passed by a narrow margin, directing the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission to reintroduce the wolves by 2023. The Institute held a follow-up conversation with the state agency to share their initial plans for executing Proposition 114. The series begins at the science of restoring wolves in Colorado and takes the audience through media and public perspectives on wolves and explores public and historical perspectives on the issue.