Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has fully staffed and deployed a new Range Rider Program to reduce wolf conflicts throughout the state.
The program, run in partnership with Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA), took on 11 skilled contract riders from local communities to ride alongside two riders from CDA to support livestock producers and mitigate potential wolf conflicts beginning this spring.
Range riders monitor for wolves and deploy hazing techniques to deter the animals while spending time with livestock. Their trained to work closely with livestock producers and have a strong understanding of animal husbandry and stockmanship techniques.
“Having range riders out on the landscape further expands our already strong conflict minimization program. We take our responsibility for the wellbeing of the ranchers, their livestock and the wolves very seriously.” – CPW Director Jeff Davis.
The 11 range riders will be available to serve Jackson, Grand, Routt, Eagle, Garfield, Pitkin, Summit, Rio Blanco, and Moffat counties in addition to having the ability to move to areas of greater potential conflict. They’ll work up to 22 days per month throughout the five-month on-range season (April-October). Some riders who start early will assist producers with calving and lambing.
“The Range Rider Program is a vital investment in the future of Colorado’s ranching communities. By providing skilled personnel to work alongside our producers, we are actively expanding their capacity to manage potential conflicts, ensuring the resilience of their operations and fostering successful coexistence with predators on our shared landscapes.” – Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg
Colorado is now one of only three states in the U.S. to have a range rider program alongside Washington and Arizona. The riders responsibilities will require monitoring livestock, data collection, flexible scheduling, and specialized training.
