A wolf collar signal detected in the watershed south of Colorado Springs is prompting increased attention to the state’s ongoing wolf reintroduction program. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), the signal originated within the drainage reaching Interstate 25, raising questions about the animal’s movements and potential interactions with the recently completed I-25 Greenland Wildlife Overpass.
The detection, first noted on CPW’s wolf activity map, comes as the state continues to monitor the wolves reintroduced in December 2023 as part of a voter-approved initiative. The program aims to restore gray wolves to western Colorado, a species absent from the state for decades. The presence of a collared wolf so close to a major transportation corridor, and near the innovative wildlife crossing structure, is of particular interest to both wildlife managers and transportation officials.
I-25 Overpass Designed for Wildlife Safety
The I-25 Greenland Wildlife Overpass, completed in December 2025, represents a significant investment in mitigating wildlife-vehicle collisions. The structure, spanning six lanes of interstate traffic, connects approximately 39,000 acres of habitat between Larkspur, and Monument. CDOT officials estimate the overpass will reduce wildlife-vehicle crashes by 90%, addressing a problem that previously saw an average of one such incident per day during peak migration seasons.
Prior to the construction of the overpass and a network of accompanying underpasses and fencing, the I-25 corridor presented a substantial barrier to wildlife movement. The overpass was specifically designed to accommodate species like elk and pronghorn, which prefer open structures, while the underpasses have proven successful for a variety of mammals, both large and small. The project, part of the larger I-25 South Gap project which improved 18 miles of the highway, cost $15 million and was completed ahead of schedule, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation.
Wolf Reintroduction and Monitoring
The reintroduction of gray wolves to Colorado has been a complex and often contentious issue. Voters approved Proposition 114 in 2020, directing CPW to develop and implement a plan to reintroduce and manage wolves west of the Continental Divide. Ten wolves were initially released in December 2023, and additional releases are planned in the coming years.
CPW is actively monitoring the wolves through GPS collars, allowing them to track their movements, assess their habitat use, and investigate any reported conflicts with livestock or humans. The agency’s wolf activity map provides the public with updates on wolf locations, though the data is often delayed to protect the animals from intentional harm. The recent detection near I-25 highlights the challenges of managing a wide-ranging species in a landscape increasingly fragmented by human development.
The presence of a wolf in the watershed south of Colorado Springs is not entirely unexpected, as wolves are known to travel long distances in search of territory and prey. Still, it does raise concerns about potential interactions with livestock and the possibility of the animal venturing into more populated areas. CPW officials have stated they are prepared to respond to any reported conflicts and are working with ranchers and landowners to implement preventative measures.
The agency is also collaborating with CDOT to understand how wolves are utilizing the wildlife crossings along I-25. While the overpass was primarily designed for sizeable game species like deer and elk, it’s possible that wolves could also use the structure to safely navigate the highway. This information will be valuable in refining future wildlife crossing projects and ensuring they are effective for a wide range of species.
As of February 26, 2026, CPW has not released further details about the specific wolf detected near I-25, including its age, sex, or pack affiliation. The agency continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
The next update from Colorado Parks and Wildlife regarding wolf activity is scheduled for March 15, 2026, during a meeting of the Colorado Wildlife Commission. The meeting agenda will include a review of the wolf reintroduction program’s progress and a discussion of any challenges or concerns that have arisen. More information can be found on the CPW website.
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