CPW Strengthens Wolf-Conflict Response Through Interagency Training

In early October, nearly 40 CPW staff members from across the state gathered in Rifle for a three-day Interagency Wolf Depredation Investigation Training organized by Adam Baca, CPW’s Wolf Conflict Coordinator. Participants represented nearly every corner of the agency —area wildlife managers, district wildlife officers, wildlife biologists and wildlife damage specialists — alongside five livestock producers impacted by wolves and colleagues from the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wildlife Services, and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

The goals: refine existing skills, learn from other organizations and in-house experts experienced with wolves, and continue building strong relationships with the livestock producers who share the landscape with wolves.

Building on Experience

Colorado’s wildlife professionals have decades of experience investigating depredations caused by mountain lions, black bears and coyotes. While wolves bring unique dynamics — including pack behavior, long-distance travel and the heightened public interest that accompanies every confirmed loss — the same forensic and communication skills honed over decades form the backbone of Colorado’s wolf-conflict work. 

“Colorado’s staff has substantial experience investigating various wildlife-caused damage,” Baca said. “This training showed how we can apply that knowledge effectively in the context of wolves and keep learning from those who’ve managed them for years.”

While there is a new focus on wolves, Colorado officers and biologists have handled hundreds of predator depredations each year, and those same skills can be refined and applied to wolves.

This track record illustrates both success and responsibility, but as wolves are expanding and establishing territory, CPW must respond quickly and consistently when conflicts occur.

“A major difference is the level of public interest,” Baca said. “Every wolf incident gets statewide attention, so our documentation and communications are deeply scrutinized. That’s why we’re investing so heavily in training. The goal is fairness and clarity, and we’re listening to feedback and refining as we go.”

Part of this refining is learning from the field experience of staff like Wildlife Damage Specialist Ethan Kohn, who led participants in examining one of several real wolf depredation cases from Colorado. Using the preserved hide and bones of a confirmed heifer killed by wolves, Kohn walked trainees through each step of a scene investigation, from tracking in snow and identifying attack trails to interpreting hemorrhaging and bite patterns on a carcass.

Kohn emphasized the importance of methodical documentation and clear communication with livestock producers, reminding staff that “not every carcass with wolves nearby is a wolf kill.” His detailed case reconstruction illustrated how discipline, patience and a strong understanding of both predator and livestock behavior form the foundation of credible investigations. The demonstration tied together everything participants had learned in the classroom, turning theory into practice and giving the trainees a realistic look at the challenges they’ll face in the field.

Learning From Producers and Experienced Agencies

While the training centered on technical skills, much of the discussion focused on relationships, particularly with livestock producers in areas where wolves are active.

“Producers are partners in this,” Baca said. “They’re the ones who first see signs of trouble, and they know their herds and lands better than anyone. If we listen to them and respond quickly, it builds trust even when situations are difficult .”

An important part of this interagency training was a panel of five producers who Baca had personally worked with over the previous three years that were willing to provide perspective on critical efforts that fostered and kept relationships. This panel’s insight highlighted ways staff can provide support to producers not yet facing wolves on the landscape.

Two producers on this panel had experienced wolf conflict and spoke candidly to the group about what collaboration looks like when emotions run high. Both stressed that communication such as a simple phone call or a timely text can make the difference between cooperation and frustration.

One described the emotional toll of finding injured livestock and said consistent updates from local wildlife officers helped turn an adversarial situation into a working partnership. Another emphasized that honesty and empathy matter more than speed: “When someone shows up and treats your loss with respect, that sticks.”

For CPW staff, those conversations reinforced that the human side of depredation response is as critical as the technical one.

The importance of recognizing the value of producers was echoed by Candace Bennett — a wildlife conflict specialist with WDFW who has 15 years of hands-on experience investigating over 1,700 wolf depredations — who encouraged participants to view wolf management as much about people as predators. 

In Washington, she explained, it’s crucial to first listen to producers, who can provide invaluable insight, then focus on problem-solving. This approach has transformed adversarial relationships into collaborative ones.

“Respect the expertise that’s already in the room,” she told participants. “Ranchers know their land and animals. When you combine that with your biological knowledge, you get better results.”

Her practical advice drew nods from CPW staff accustomed to long days and emotional encounters. She closed her final session by reminding participants that transparency and consistency protect everyone: the producer, the agency, livestock and the wolves themselves.

Beyond her insights into collaboration with producers, Bennett led a session that combined classroom discussion with field demonstrations using livestock carcasses provided for training purposes.

Bennett guided participants through the steps of a depredations investigation such as how to preserve a scene, photograph evidence, conduct a field necropsy, collect tissue samples and communicate findings clearly to producers.

“In Washington, we learned that good science isn’t enough if you can’t explain it clearly,” she told participants. “Every photo, every note, every conversation matters. That’s how you build credibility, one case at a time.” 

Bringing empathy to every producer interaction was a message that resonated with CPW staff accustomed to high-stakes investigations.

“She brought hard-earned lessons,” Baca said. “Having someone who’s been through 15 years of wolf management that has experienced both the biology and the social side is invaluable. It helps our team prepare for long-term success.”

Collaboration Across Agencies

The workshop wasn’t just about analyzing the scene of a potential depredation; it was also about how CPW has been coordinating with partnering organizations throughout gray wolf reintroduction.

CPW invited the CDA and USDA Wildlife Services to strengthen the communication channels that help rally the expertise each organization brings to the table the moment a depredation is reported. 

Since signing a 2023 memorandum of understanding with CPW, CDA has become a critical partner in wolf conflict management. CDA’s Non-Lethal Conflict-Reduction Program funds range riders, carcass-management projects and producer outreach across western Colorado.

“CDA’s staff are incredibly valuable,” Baca said. “They help keep eyes on the ground, help prevent losses before they happen and supplement our contracted riders and damage specialists.”

USDA Wildlife Services also plays a critical role, providing specialized equipment, drone pilots, night-watch teams and technical guidance on deterrent use in addition to CPW’s own capacity. The agency’s collaboration ensures Colorado can deploy the right tools quickly without duplicating effort.

Together, the three agencies form a network designed for prevention first and investigation second that other western states have taken years to build.

“When wolves kill livestock, time matters,” Baca said. “Having everyone know who to call and what each agency is responsible for saves hours and sometimes saves relationships. It also keeps our staff from running themselves into the ground and burning out.”

The coordination between these agencies has already paid dividends. Colorado now houses approximately 45 miles of fladry (the electrified flag-line fencing used to deter wolves) along with more than 160 sound-and-light scare devices ready for deployment. About 140 CPW employees can investigate livestock depredations — a number that is supplemented by USDA Wildlife Services who has more than two dozen trained staff who gather information to assist CPW — ensuring a professional same-day response is possible in most regions with average response times being less than six hours.

“The combined resources and staff expertise have resulted in a growing number of successful high-effort conflict minimization deployments,” Baca said.

Looking Ahead

The Rifle workshop reflected what many inside the agency already know, that Colorado’s wildlife managers are adaptable, experienced and committed to continuous improvement. It also didn’t shy away from the reality that wolves remain one of Colorado’s most polarizing wildlife topics.

Across the West, other states have taken years to align agencies, build trust with producers and develop reliable compensation systems. Colorado, by comparison, is accomplishing those milestones in a fraction of the time.

“We’re building capacity now by training investigators and strengthening partnerships so we can provide that critical support,” Baca said.

That preparation is already visible in the field through CPW’s same-day response times and proactive site assessments which have earned praise from ranchers and local officials. 

Each success, Baca said, reinforces a simple truth: Coexistence depends on people who are willing to come together and do the hard work that it takes.

As wolves continue to establish themselves, CPW’s work will evolve. Future training will likely incorporate data from collar studies, lessons from new depredation cases, and continued collaboration with partners who share the goal of reducing conflict while maintaining healthy wildlife populations and working lands.

“This is the kind of teamwork Colorado can be proud of,” Baca said. “It’s tough, and the results aren’t always immediately apparent. It took three years to arrive at this point, but I think it shows a strong commitment from everyone involved including the producers and wolf advocates.” 

For CPW, that professionalism is already a point of pride and the Rifle training is proof that Colorado’s wildlife managers are prepared, proactive and committed to doing the hard work well.

CPW plans to continue interagency wolf-conflict training on a regular basis, incorporating lessons from each season and expanding opportunities for joint exercises with CDA, USDA Wildlife Services and other state wildlife agencies. Future sessions will build on what staff learned in Rifle: field verification, evidence collection, documentation standards and collaborative communication.

“The work never really ends,” Baca said. “Predators adapt, conditions change and we keep learning. That’s what professional wildlife management looks like.”

Bennett agreed, noting that Washington’s progress came through repetition, not one-time events. “It takes years to build confidence in your processes,” she said. “Colorado is in a decent place because you’re investing early and learning together.”

Written by Joey Livingston. Joey is a public information officer for Colorado Parks and Wildlife.