Gray wolves once existed throughout Colorado; however, extirpation or removal began shortly after European settlement. Currently no established wolf populations live in this state but, due to proximity of a viable wolf population in Idaho and Wyoming, wolves are expected to move into this state. One wolf that traveled from Yellowstone National Park was killed by a car 40 miles west of Denver and another wolf was videotaped near Fort Collins. To prepare, Colorado's Department of Wildlife organized a diverse group of individuals into a Wolf Working Group assigned the task of developing a draft wolf management plan. That group's recommendations and information on the probable sighting of a wolf in Colorado in February 2006 is available through the Colorado Division of Wildlife.
