DENVER — A lone wolf pup that wasn't captured with the rest of its pack last month has evaded humans again, as Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) said on Friday they've halted their capture operation.
The young wolf, which is uncollared and about 6 months old, can hunt small animals like rabbits and squirrels and forage its own, CPW said in a news release.
The pup is believed to be from the Copper Creek pack. Two adult wolves and four pups from the pack were captured in September. One of the wolves – the adult male – died shortly afterward from previous injuries. The operation was part of an effort by CPW to relocate the pack after wolves killed livestock.
At that time, CPW stated they were, "confident we have found all of the wolves in the pack."
About two weeks later, CPW staff went to retrieve the cameras and after reviewing the photos, they confirmed the presence of another wolf pup believed to be from the Copper Creek pack. According to the organization, they began operations soon after the discovery to reunite it with its siblings and mother and prepare for winter release.
On Friday, after 19 nights of trying to capture the pup and with temperatures getting colder, CPW made the decision to halt their operation.
Staff will keep monitoring trail cameras to look for evidence of the wolf pup as part of their normal duties, CPW said.
CPW asked hunters and members of the public in Grand County and Summit County to report any potential sightings of the pup by calling the CPW Hot Sulphur Springs Area office at 970-725-6200.
