8 sheep killed by wolves in Grand County, one of largest attacks reported: CPW

DENVER (KDVR) — Although wolf depredations began to slow in Colorado following the spring mating period, another attack is being pinned on the predators.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is investigating a report that on July 28, eight sheep were killed by at least one wolf in Grand County. So far, no claim has been submitted by the rancher or livestock producer to receive the fair market value of the sheep in compensation from the state.

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According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Centennial Livestock Sheep and Goat Auction report from July 31, feeder lambs had an average price of about $227, up from 2023.

A depredation occurs when wolves attack or take a livestock animal from a business such as a ranch, essentially stealing from the business. The depredations have been a cause of concern for ranchers and livestock producers in Jackson, Grand and Routt counties, as the wolves have settled into those areas.

There were three other depredation events reported to CPW in July, with those events described as:

• July 17: Grand County – No claim submitted – one sheep involved

• July 10: Routt County – No claim submitted – one calf involved

• July 7: Routt County – No claim submitted – one calf involved

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The state has issued $26,407 in compensation for wolf depredations since December 2021. So far this year, just $1,514 was issued for a single claim filed. One other claim was filed but is still pending.

Livestock producers can ask CPW to allow the rancher to kill a wolf that has been caught in the act of killing livestock or a working dog. So far, all requests for these rights have been denied, according to Steamboat Radio. The news outlet also reported that these eight sheep were taken from the same ranch that had seven calves killed by wolves in April.

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