Colorado wolf likely died after fight with another wolf, officials say

One of the wolves reintroduced to Colorado likely died from wounds sustained in a fight with another wolf, federal officials announced Thursday.

The wolf also had a healed gunshot wound to one of its hind legs, according to a statement from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife confirmed the wolf’s death in Grand County on Sept. 10. The Fish and Wildlife Service investigated the death because gray wolves in Colorado are protected under the Endangered Species Act.

The investigation revealed that the wolf, identified as 2307-OR, died from injuries sustained in a fight, likely with another wolf. The deceased male wolf was in good nutritional condition at the time of his death.

“The investigation revealed trauma typical of wounds caused by wolves and other canids, and preliminary analysis of hair samples collected from the scene further supports the involvement of another wolf,” FWS spokesman Joe Szuszwalak said in a statement.

The death was the third among the 10 wolves reintroduced to the state in December.