Wolverines are one of the most elusive and fascinating animals in North America. They are also one of the most endangered, with only about 300 individuals left in the lower 48 states.
These animals are adapted to cold and snowy environments, where they roam widely, scavenge carcasses, and dig dens. They are also known for their fierce and fearless behavior, earning them nicknames such as "mountain devil" and "skunk bear".
However, wolverines face multiple threats from human activities, such as habitat loss, fragmentation, poaching, and climate change.
Climate change is especially worrisome, as it reduces the snowpack that wolverines need for survival and reproduction. As a result, wolverines have disappeared from most of their historical range, which once spanned from the Sierra Nevada in California to the Rocky Mountains in Colorado.
To help wolverines recover and restore their ecological role, some conservationists and scientists have proposed to reintroduce them in Colorado, where they have not been seen since 2009.
Colorado has suitable habitat and prey for wolverines, and could serve as a refuge and a connectivity corridor for the species.
However, the reintroduction plan depends on a pending decision from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on whether wolverines should be listed as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
This decision could have significant implications for the legal status, management, and funding of wolverines in Colorado and elsewhere.
The benefits of reintroducing wolverines in Colorado
Increasing the genetic diversity and viability of wolverines in the lower 48 states, by creating a new population that could interbreed with other populations in Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Washington, and Oregon.
Enhancing the ecological function of wolverines as scavengers and predators, by helping to regulate prey populations, recycle nutrients, and control diseases.
Providing educational and recreational opportunities for people who want to see or study wolverines in their natural habitat.
Contributing to the cultural and spiritual values of First Nations groups who have historical and traditional ties to wolverines.
Supporting the economic development of rural communities who could benefit from tourism or research activities related to wolverines.
The outlook for wolverine reintroduction in Colorado
The decision on whether to reintroduce wolverines in Colorado depends largely on the outcome of the federal listing process for wolverines under the Endangered Species Act.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has been considering listing wolverines as endangered or threatened since 2010, but has faced several delays and lawsuits from different parties.
The agency is expected to issue a final decision by October 2023.
If wolverines are listed as endangered or threatened, they would receive more protection and funding from the federal government, but they would also face more restrictions and regulations on their management.
This could make it easier or harder for Colorado to proceed with its reintroduction plan, depending on the specific terms and conditions of the listing.
If wolverines are not listed as endangered or threatened, they would remain under the jurisdiction of the state governments, which have more flexibility and autonomy in their management.
This could make it easier or harder for Colorado to proceed with its reintroduction plan, depending on the political will and public opinion of the state.
Regardless of the federal listing decision, Colorado would still need to obtain approval from other states or countries that would provide wolverines for translocation.
It would also need to consult and collaborate with First Nations groups and other stakeholders who have rights and interests in wolverine conservation and restoration.
The reintroduction of wolverines in Colorado is a complex and controversial issue that involves scientific, ethical, social, and ecological aspects.
It is not a simple or quick solution that can guarantee the recovery of wolverines in the lower 48 states. It is a long-term and uncertain process that requires careful planning, evaluation, and monitoring.
It is also a collective and participatory process that requires cooperation, communication, and compromise among various actors.
However, despite the challenges and uncertainties, reintroducing wolverines in Colorado could also be a rewarding and inspiring endeavor that could benefit not only the species, but also the ecosystem and the society.
It could be a way to restore a missing piece of nature's puzzle, to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem function, to provide educational and recreational opportunities, to respect cultural and spiritual values, and to support economic development.
Ultimately, reintroducing wolverines in Colorado is a choice that depends on our vision and values for the future of wildlife and wildlands.
It is a choice that reflects our responsibility and commitment to conserve and coexist with nature. It is a choice that we need to make soon, before it is too late for wolverines.
