In a recent maneuver to consolidate the roaming members of the Copper Creek wolf pack, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has initiated an operation to capture a lone uncollared gray wolf pup. The CPW, leveraging expertise from federal partners under the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's 10(j) experimental population rule, is seeking to reunite this fifth Copper Creek pack pup with its family.
Previously in early September, CPW biologists successfully captured the initial members of the Copper Creek wolf pack and, post-operation, left cameras to surveil any lingerers. Returning on September 20, officials discovered photographic evidence of an uncollared juvenile, prompting a new round of capture efforts. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the objective is to ensure the pup's survival and integration in preparation for winter.
Maintaining operational confidentiality, CPW has refrained from disclosing the location of the operation, citing safety concerns for their staff, residents, the public, and the animals involved. Despite the understandable clamor for specifics, authorities are holding their cards close on this one.
