Colorado Cattle Industry Sues to Halt Gray Wolf Reintroduction

Associations representing cattle ranchers argue the voter-approved initiative could harm livestock and the state's agricultural industry.

Colorado's cattle industry is suing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Colorado Parks and Wildlife over the reintroduction of gray wolves in the state.
The lawsuit was filed by the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association and the Gunnison County Stockgrowers Association, who argue that the reintroduction could harm their livestock and the state's agricultural industry.
The reintroduction of the wolves was approved by Colorado voters in a 2020 ballot measure, with most support coming from urban areas, despite rural areas being most affected.
The cattle industry associations are also seeking a temporary restraining order to halt the imminent release of the wolves.
In 2022, gray wolves attacked domesticated animals hundreds of times across 10 states in the U.S., including Colorado, killing or injuring at least 425 cattle and calves, 313 sheep and lambs, 40 dogs, 10 chickens, five horses and four goats.