A 2020 ballot measure that required the reintroduction of the gray wolf to designated Colorado lands is reaping all the predicted consequences.
Even though state wildlife officials opposed the re-introduction, conservation groups moved forward with the measure anyway because they don’t care about family ranches or tourism or the economy. The same can be said for Governor Jared Polis who pushed for the accelerated release of the wolves shortly after the measure passed.
Two years ago, Colorado ranchers and many in the agricultural community raised their hands to express concerns that wolves are dangerous predators that would threaten livestock production and outdoor recreation. Now, less than 2 years later there are a handful of gray wolves roaming around killing cattle and even a few dogs, too. The problem is only going to get worse. And while no hikers in Rocky Mountain National Park have been harmed, yet, you can bet that headline is coming next.
The threat these wolves pose to some of Colorado’s most important industries is no laughing matter. According to the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, cattle production is the state’s number one agricultural commodity, and it touches every county. It’s a $4 billion industry! But for Polis and the environmental special interest groups that bankroll the state’s ruling Democrat party, none of that seems to matter.