15 Gray Wolves Reintroduced to Colorado From Canada [Video]

Colorado wildlife officials have released 15 Canadian gray wolves into the state’s central mountains over the past week.

The historic effort was completed on Saturday, and is the second reintroduction season for the native predator. The capture and release work supports the Colorado Gray Wolf Restoration and Management Plan.

“This binational effort was conducted by a professional team of experts from two jurisdictions,” said Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Director Jeff Davis in a press release from CPW. “From the veterinarians and biologists to the helicopter pilots and wildlife officers, this team worked together to ensure a safe and successful outcome for this year’s capture and release efforts that also prioritized the health and safety of staff and animals.”

Fifteen wolves were brought to Colorado from British Columbia’s central interior. The agency also released five members of the original Copper Creek Pack — a mother and four pups — in a separate operation. All of the wolves …