Wolves have long symbolized the wild soul of the American West. With piercing howls and elusive behavior, they evoke both fear and awe. But one question lingers in the minds of many Boulder residents and visitors alike: Are there wolves in Boulder, Colorado?
The Lost and Returning Predator
Historically, gray wolves (Canis lupus) once roamed Colorado’s vast wilderness, including the forests and foothills near present-day Boulder. However, due to aggressive predator control programs in the early 20th century, they were wiped out from the state by the 1940s.
That started to change in 2020, when voters narrowly approved Proposition 114, mandating the reintroduction of gray wolves to the western slope of Colorado. This groundbreaking move made Colorado the first state to reintroduce wolves via a ballot initiative, reflecting shifting public sentiment toward predator conservation.
By late 2023, the first wolves were released near Grand and Summit Counties, west of the Continental Divide.
Any Wolves in Boulder Yet?
As of 2025, no confirmed wolf packs have been documented in Boulder County. While some wildlife enthusiasts have reported sightings in remote corners of the state, most of these turn out to be mistaken identities—often confused with coyotes, huskies, or large dogs…