Video: 3 healthy wolf pups spotted playing in Grand County

DENVER (KDVR) — After months of wondering how many pups were born to Grand County’s Copper Creek wolf pack, a new video posted to social media by Colorado Parks and Wildlife confirms at least three new wolves are living in the mountains.

The three pups were captured on camera by Mike Usalavage and shared by CPW. The department first noted the possibility of wolf pups in April, after ranchers asked the state to lethally remove two wolves in Grand County that were depredating livestock.

Livestock producers renew plea for state to kill wolves depredating ranches

Depredations occur when a predator “plunders” or preys upon a farmer’s crop. In Grand and Jackson counties, wolves were depredating sheep and cattle. Several groups recently renewed their request to the state, asking for wolves in their area to be killed after they killed the ranchers’ livestock.

After spotting one of the pups in June, the pack was officially confirmed and named by CPW biologists. Now at 4 months old, the pups weigh between 40-50 pounds.

In the video shared on social media, a trio of pups can be seen pouncing on each other, sniffing the edge of a pond, splashing in the water and otherwise playing. An adult wolf can also be seen on the edge of the pathway.

In his post, Usalavage called it a “treat” to see the wolf pups.

“Love the playfulness,” he wrote on Instagram. “Loved the ‘baby pool.’ Especially loved the wipeout. Also enjoyed seeing the (jack russel terriers) mesmerized by their ancestral lineage! Cousins how many times removed?”

CPW said on social media that playing helps wolf pups practice hunting behaviors and teaches effective communication with other wolves. The skill is one they will use throughout their lifespans as social creatures that live in packs.

Colorado wolves: Pup spotted, depredations becoming less frequent

“It’s important to remember, that if you live or recreate in the foothills or mountains of Colorado, you are in wolf country,” CPW said on X. “Wolves are wild animals and should be treated with the same respect as any other wild animal.”

CPW is encouraging anyone who spots a wolf to complete a wolf sighting form here. The information helps biologists monitor the voter-mandated wolf reintroduction program.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.