CHANCES WITH WOLVES - COMING TO COLORADO by Pam North They're coming - in fact a few may already be here in Colorado. Since their reintroduction to Yellowstone, northern Montana and central Idaho a few years ago (after their virtual wipe-out in the mid-1900s) wolves have been progressing southward toward Colorado. A recently estimated figure of about 660 in that region has allowed the prospect of wolves being removed from the endangered species list, although at present they still remain under federal protection of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Human toleration of wolves, in states that once strove for total annihilation, is the big question mark regarding the wolves' prospects for survival in the future. The mindset of the past, largely imposed by ranchers who have little tolerance for the larger predatory animals, must be overcome by education and practical methods of learning to co-exist alongside such creatures if wolves are again to become indigenous to their historic range. Recent polls have shown that over 65% of Colorado residents are in favor of the return of the wolf to this state, and Colorado's 25 million acres of public land and an overabundance of elk could support up to 1000 wolves - an ideal habitat. The presence of wolves is beneficial to the environment, motivating elk herds to range more over their habitat, which in turn promotes better plant growth. The wolves also likely would help to decrease the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD), a fatal brain ailment that has infected growing numbers of elk and deer, particularly on the Western Slope. The change in behavior of ill animals attracts predators, which kill the the infected animals and selectively remove them from the overall populations, helping to control the disease problem. The flip side is that wolves also kill livestock and pets, hardly an endearing trait however natural it may be - the livestock is easy prey, and dogs are viewed by the territorial wolves as competitors. As the wolf territory expands into Colorado, problems seem certain to arise that only careful management could mitigate, and so far Colorado apparently has not developed any comprehensive plan. Concerns such as monetary damages for livestock losses have yet to be addressed, and state laws for wolf protection and control need to be implemented. At some point in the future, when the wolf is removed from the threatened list, the state should be ready to assume responsibility for their welfare. A balanced philosophy on the role of predators in the natural balance of life is essential; ranching should not eliminate predator populations, and some enlightened individuals engaged in that occupation thankfully have come to realize that fact. It would be unfortunate if wolves, having survived near extinction, were doomed to fall again to prejudice and mismanagement. Potential wolf habitat will certainly include Gilpin County, with its preponderance of federal and state forests. It is hoped that the howl of a wolf on a moonlit night is something that we're all privileged to hear in the future. It's been missing for far too long.