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And wolves need Colorado. Wolves are native to our state but were eradicated, mainly due to pressure from the livestock industry, by the early 1940’s. As they evolved with native wildlife in Colorado, our ecosystems became dependent on them to keep healthy. Wolves’ are necessary, their benefits range from restoring natural habitat to sustainability to climate resilience. Wolves are a vital part of our local heritage and it’s time we reclaimed our legacy. There’s work to be done. Are you in? While we don’t hear the howling of wild wolves in the high country yet, you can see them up close and personal in the Rocky Mountain State by visiting Colorado’s Wolf and Wildlife Center. Located in Divide, Colorado, the Center’s mission is to educate the public about wolves and other carnivores, while stressing their importance to our ecosystem. The Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center aims to dispel myths and allow visitors, from Colorado and across the globe, the chance to interact with wolves in a nearly natural habitat.
Wolves are apex carnivores whose impacts cascade throughout entire ecosystems. The loss of wolves from Colorado has had negative impacts for our landscapes and wildlife – from deer and elk, to aspen and songbirds, to beaver and cutthroat trout– wolves make native wildlife healthier. Restoration of wolves to places such as Yellowstone National Park has resulted in far-reaching benefits to native species and ecosystems. Reconnecting ancient paths that enable wolves to move freely in their ancestral range and restoring ancient connections between species is critical to restoring local ecosystem resilience in the face of a changing global climate.
Colorado’s native biological diversity is a treasure that we have the great privilege of experiencing – a treasure current and future generations have the right to experience as well. This privilege should be nurtured and protected. Wolves are a key component of our state’s landscape – our natural heritage. But this critical voice is missing from Colorado.