DNA Testing Confirms First Wolf Pack in Colorado in 70 Years

DENVER (AP) — Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials confirmed the first documentation of a wolf pack in Colorado in more than 70 years.

DNA testing of scat samples taken near an elk carcass in Moffat County in January confirmed the samples came from wolves, KMGH-TV reports.

The test results from northwestern Colorado indicated three female wolves and one male and showed the animals were related and likely to be full siblings.

"We don't know where or when they were born," Colorado Parks and Wildlife species conservation manager Eric Odell said in a statement. "We can't say. But that there are closely related wolves is a pretty significant finding."

Parks and wildlife officials confirmed a sighting of six wolves in January about 2 miles from the site of the elk carcass.

Officers heard distinct howls in the area before spotting the wolves through binoculars, the department said.

A pack of wolves was sighted in the same area in October, officials said.

CPW has said it will continue to work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other federal partners to manage the wolves as they move into the area.

Subscribe to Closing Arguments

Sign up for new weekly newsletter Closing Arguments to get the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and hot cases and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world.

Email *

Submit