Two of Colorado’s new gray wolves are now parents.
The state’s divisive gray wolf reintroduction program has hit a key milestone, with state officials confirming to the public Thursday the birth of the first pup born to one of the female wolves brought to the state from Oregon.
Wildlife biologists spotted the wolf pup Tuesday, after picking up hints starting in April. The successful reproduction means the male, female and offspring now rank as a pack, dubbed the Copper Creek Pack by Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials. There may be more in the family, as wolf litters typically consist of between four and six pups.
“We are continuing to actively monitor this area while exercising extreme caution to avoid inadvertently disturbing the adult wolves, this pup, or other pups,” Brenna Cassidy, a wildlife biologist with the Colorado Parks and Wildlife, said in a statement.
