Colorado has quietly reintroduced a new batch of wolves into its wilderness, a decision that has sparked a wave of concern, frustration, and in some cases, outright anger. Among those raising alarms is Joe Rogan, the widely known podcaster and commentator, who took to social media to express his discontent.
According to a Facebook post by Rogan, the wolves were released near a friend’s ranch outside Aspen without any prior warning. Ranchers in the area discovered an elk leg in the snow shortly after neighbors spotted the predators roaming nearby.
A Silent Operation Sparks Outrage
Rogan, who describes himself as a wildlife enthusiast, made it clear that while he appreciates wolves, he strongly opposes what he calls “ballot box biology.” He argued that voters who pushed for the reintroduction had little understanding of what they were truly supporting. In his view, wolves, though fascinating, are lethal predators that can decimate livestock and disrupt entire ecosystems. He warned that the situation in Aspen and surrounding areas is likely to become increasingly chaotic as the wolves establish themselves.
Colorado’s Wolf Reintroduction Program Expands
The release in question is part of Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s (CPW) continued effort to restore the gray wolf population to the state. According to a report by Denver7’s Maggy Wolanske, CPW captured 15 wolves in British Columbia and released them in Eagle and Pitkin counties, adding to the existing population. This brings the total known number of wolves in Colorado to 29. The agency stated that these wolves were sourced from regions with minimal livestock interactions to reduce conflicts.
However, many ranchers remain unconvinced. Tim Ritschard, president of the Middle Park Stockgrowers Association, expressed his frustration to Denver7, stating that ranchers were already dealing with the fallout from previous releases. He emphasized that wolves have repeatedly targeted livestock, and reintroducing more only exacerbates the problem.
Ranchers Feel Left in the Dark
A major complaint from the ranching community is the lack of communication from CPW. Olivia Young of CBS Colorado reported that many ranchers were unaware of the release until after it happened. CPW kept the details under wraps due to reported threats against its staff, but this secrecy only fueled the anger of those directly affected.
For ranchers, the concern isn’t just about livestock losses; it’s also about the stress wolves impose on their herds. Some cattle are driven to weight loss due to constant stress from predator presence, which directly impacts ranchers’ bottom lines. Compensation programs exist, but proving a wolf attack can be challenging, adding another layer of frustration.
The Copper Creek Pack’s Troubled History
Compounding the issue, CPW also re-released five members of the Copper Creek Pack – one adult female and her four pups. This pack had been previously captured after a series of livestock killings, yet CPW decided to release them back into the wild in hopes that their behavior would change.
During a press conference covered by Denver7’s Colette Bordelon, CPW defended this decision, stating that wolves learn from human interactions and may alter their behavior after being captured twice. However, many ranchers, including Ritschard, strongly disagreed, arguing that once a wolf learns to prey on livestock, it is unlikely to stop.
A Political and Cultural Divide
The debate over wolf reintroduction is far from new, but recent developments have intensified the divide between urban and rural communities. Wildlife YouTuber Cliff Gray highlighted this growing frustration in his video I Pray I’m Wrong About the Colorado Wolf Reintroduction. He pointed out that while many urban voters supported reintroducing wolves, they do not have to deal with the direct consequences.
Gray also noted that CPW is being careful about where it releases wolves, avoiding locations where they might pose a political problem—such as ski towns like Aspen or areas near Native American reservations, where conflicts could become even more contentious. Instead, wolves are being placed in traditional ranching regions, intensifying an already heated conflict.
Are Wolves a Threat or a Necessity?
Not everyone opposes the program. Courtney Vail, board chair of the Rocky Mountain Wolf Project, told Denver7 that increasing the number of wolves could actually make their movements more predictable. She argued that, in time, ranchers might find it easier to coexist with wolves if they form stable packs rather than scattering unpredictably.
Moreover, CPW Director Jeff Davis stated during a press conference that Colorado’s restoration effort is a well-planned, scientifically backed initiative aimed at balancing ecosystems. The wolves were given vaccinations, fitted with GPS collars, and carefully monitored during transport to ensure their health.
Joe Rogan’s Take: The Grim Reality of Wolf Reintroduction
Rogan’s response to the situation is a mix of concern and dark humor. In his Facebook post, he referenced classic fairy tales that paint wolves as cunning and dangerous predators, pointing out that their reputation isn’t entirely unearned. His main argument isn’t that wolves shouldn’t exist in Colorado, but rather that voters who supported their return did not fully understand what they were inviting into their backyards.
While Rogan’s views are divisive, his concerns echo those of many ranchers who feel blindsided by the government’s actions. In his opinion, Colorado will eventually have to allow wolf hunting to control the population, but by the time that happens, the situation may already be out of hand.
Illegal Killings and the Dark Side of the Debate
Another layer to this controversy is the illegal killing of wolves. CBS Colorado reported that at least two of the previously reintroduced wolves were shot, one fatally. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is investigating, as gray wolves remain protected under the Endangered Species Act. The Center for Biological Diversity has even put up a $15,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of those responsible.
This growing hostility suggests that wolf reintroduction in Colorado is not just a biological issue – it’s a deeply political and cultural one. Ranchers feel targeted, environmentalists feel embattled, and CPW is caught in the middle, trying to maintain order while facing backlash from all sides.
A Program at a Crossroads
As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: the Colorado wolf reintroduction program is at a critical juncture. CPW has stated that they plan to continue releasing wolves in small batches over the next few years, aiming to establish a self-sustaining population. However, opposition is mounting, and the possibility of future ballot measures to repeal or modify the program is very real.
What’s Next for Colorado’s Wolves?
For now, the newly released wolves roam the mountains, their presence both a symbol of environmental restoration and a source of rural distress. The next few years will be crucial in determining whether this grand experiment in wildlife management succeeds or if it leads to further conflicts, illegal killings, and a possible political reversal.
A Cautionary Tale in Wildlife Policy
There’s something fascinating about this whole situation. On one hand, it’s an attempt to restore balance to an ecosystem that was fundamentally altered when wolves were eradicated. On the other hand, it’s a stark reminder that human and wildlife interests don’t always align neatly. Colorado’s wolf saga is shaping up to be more than just a conservation story—it’s a lesson in unintended consequences, political divide, and the complexity of managing nature in a world that refuses to stand still.
A former park ranger and wildlife conservationist, Lisa’s passion for survival started with her deep connection to nature. Raised on a small farm in northern Wisconsin, she learned how to grow her own food, raise livestock, and live off the land. Lisa writes about homesteading, natural remedies, and survival strategies. Whether it’s canning vegetables or setting up a rainwater harvesting system, Lisa’s goal is to help others live more sustainably and prepare for the unexpected.