The Coloradan gray wolf reintroduction: an ecological, social, and political digestion

Abstract

Proposition 114, also known as the Reintroduction and Management of Gray Wolves Proposition, has sparked ongoing controversy in Colorado since its original proposal in 2019. While the proposition suggests that the introduction of wolves will serve beneficial to the state of Colorado, a growing collection of evidence suggests otherwise. This review analyzes both current evaluations of Colorado's ecosystem, as well as studies following similar reintroductions and wildlife initiatives, dating back to Yellowstone’s initial wolf reintroduction in 1995. Evidence from these studies has yielded recurring themes that suggest that the enactment of Proposition 114 proposes little to no benefit to Colorado ecologically, recreationally, or economically. The lack of tangible value accumulated in the logistics of the proposition suggests that bringing wolves back to Colorado has become less about species conservation, but has fallen victim to the driving factors of politics and social division.