Senate and House Republicans Respond to Third Wolf Attack

(Colorado State Capitol, April 19, 2024) -- Today, Senate and House Republicans responded to yet another report from Grand County of livestock being killed by wolves. House and Senate Republicans issued the following statements regarding these attacks.

“I would like to reiterate what I said a few short weeks ago, the last time wolves attacked livestock in our state,” said Assistant Minority Leader Ty Winter (R-Trinidad). “The decision made by voters who do not suffer the consequences of wolf reintroduction is devastating for those who do not live in the Denver metro area. Those who voted in favor of this initiative must member their tax dollars will be used as compensation for livestock lost due to this measure,” added Winter.

“The reintroduction of wolves is a terrible idea born from ballot box biology that forces a heavy and unjust burden on the livestock community,” said Senator Simpson (R-Alamosa). “The amount of predation caused by 10 wolves in four months is unacceptable to the livestock community and unsustainable for our state. There is no viable path forward for a sustainable wolf population in Colorado,” ended Simpson.

“Spring calving season is a very critical time of year for all cattle ranchers,” said Minority Whip Richard Holtorf (R-Akron). “Cattle herds are the most vulnerable at this time without bulls in the pasture to protect the cows,” added Holtorf. “These apex predators are on the hunt, and killing is a natural activity. Cattle ranchers and their livestock are in the crosshairs of these killers. Front Range urbanites voted for this, and now rural ranchers are being victimized, and innocent cattle are being killed,” finished Holtorf. 

“I hate to say I told you so,” said Senator Perry Will (R-New Castle). “Ballot box biology is the absolute worst way to manage our state's wildlife resources. The professionals predicted all of this and what we are experiencing is only the tip of the iceberg! Look at the issues we are having with just 10 wolves on the ground, just wait! Couldn’t have driven a bigger wedge into the rural-urban divide,” finished Will.

“These are the days that Western Slopers feared with wolf reintroduction,” said Representative Matt Soper (R-Delta). “Wolves are serial killers and will devastate the West Slope ranching, hunting, and outdoor recreation economies. We should cease reintroduction now before the damages are irreparable,” added Soper. 

“It's obvious this wasn't well thought through - this being the third attack, said Representative Marc Catlin (R-Montrose). “We as a state need to take a harder look at what we are doing with wolves in the future,” added Catlin. “The state of Colorado needs to work with these livestock owners and get them paid as quickly as we can,” concluded Catlin.

“Despite efforts from the majority to go back on their word to the livestock community, our members were able to provide some relief by rejecting a bill that would have made it more difficult for ranchers who lose livestock to receive compensation for their losses due to depredation,” said Representative Mike Lynch (R-Wellington). “Thankfully, our ranchers who were victimized by these attacks will be able to get some compensation to cushion the blow,” added Lynch.