Colorado is facing a major decision that could set the tone for how wolf-related damage is handled across the state. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission will meet on March 5-6 to discuss and decide whether to approve two controversial compensation claims from ranchers in Grand County. These claims total more than $343,000 and could deplete the state’s budget for wolf compensation nearly in its entirety.
One of the ranchers, Farrell Livestock, is seeking a whopping $287,407 in compensation—by far the largest amount requested since Proposition 114 passed in 2020. This law not only authorized the reintroduction of wolves in Colorado but also established a system for compensating ranchers for livestock losses due to wolf predation. The second claim, which comes from Bruchez and Sons, is for $56,000.
Both of these ranchers run their operations in Grand County, an area that has seen an uptick in wolf activity in recent years. However, the large compensation requests have stirred controversy. Some wolf advocacy groups argue that the claims are inflated and that more proof of livestock loss is needed before any payments should be made. This debate has created tensions between ranchers, wildlife officials, and environmental groups across the state.
The $343,000 in claims under consideration would nearly wipe out the $350,000 budgeted for wolf compensation. If approved, it would be a significant financial hit, especially since additional claims from other ranchers will be heard later.
Farrell Livestock, for example, has claimed not only livestock killed by wolves but also reduced conception rates in cattle and weight loss among the herd, all linked to the stress caused by wolf presence. By the time everything is accounted for, their total claim could be $422,000.
The Middle Park Stockgrowers Association, which represents ranchers in the area, has been vocal about the increasing number of claims. They reported that three ranchers alone had accumulated depredation claims exceeding $575,000 for 2024.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife has acknowledged 18 confirmed cases of livestock deaths or injuries due to wolves in 2024, with additional unreported incidents still pending. So far, the agency has paid out just over $3,800 for a few of these claims, but the larger sums are what have everyone watching closely.
How Does Colorado’s Wolf Compensation Plan Work?
The state’s wolf compensation plan, as outlined in its wolf recovery strategy, is considered one of the most generous in the western United States. It compensates ranchers for verified wolf-related damage to livestock, offering “fair market value” up to $15,000 per animal.
This includes animals confirmed to have been killed or injured by wolves and those that have gone missing due to wolf activity. Additionally, ranchers can receive compensation for losses related to reduced pregnancy rates and weight loss among livestock, which are often linked to the stress caused by wolves.
For ranchers like Farrell Livestock, this has meant submitting claims for killed and missing livestock, as well as other more difficult-to-quantify losses. Farrell’s initial claim included nine sheep and six cattle that were confirmed to have been killed by wolves, as well as 14 sheep and 88 calves that were missing compared to previous years. The rancher also documented the negative impact on the herd’s overall health, which he attributed to the presence of wolves in the area.
Ranchers file their initial claims with a district wildlife manager. These claims are then reviewed at various levels by Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials before moving up the chain for final approval. The commission itself holds the final say on whether or not to approve the state’s recommendations. In this case, the claims are already approved by the agency, but commissioners will ultimately decide whether to uphold that decision.
Funding for the Compensation Fund
The funds for the wolf depredation compensation program come from various sources, including Colorado’s general fund, the species conservation trust fund, and other wildlife-related funds. If the fund’s balance is insufficient to cover claims, the shortfall will be covered by these same sources.
However, the program for compensating damage by other animals, such as mountain lions and bears, is entirely funded through hunting and fishing license revenues and operates on a separate budget.
As for the actual financial impact of these claims, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has reported that the cost of wolf depredations between 2021 and 2023 was relatively low, amounting to just over $40,000. This includes losses from 13 cattle, three sheep, and a small number of working dogs. However, the claims for 2024 are significantly higher, with losses already exceeding $575,000. If approved
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