Mtn lion(s) kill 15 dogs in 30 days (Colorado)

[Bubblehide]

You guys love bringing wolves up at every opportunity, lol. What happened? Did one grab your wife's ass at the bar?

Only once!

 

[Mountainrancher]

I agree, CO definitely has a human problem. It's a shame how urban sprawl and resort building has gotten so out of control there.

I'm curious as to what sort of human/wolf interactions are you (or anyone else) worried about? Like pet killing, livestock predation, etc.

Pack of wolves kills livestock and dog in Jackson County

The series of attacks over the past couple of weeks has ranchers concerned about the pack of wolves they believe migrated south from Wyoming.

www.9news.com

18 head of 600-pound calves dead after apparent wolf attack near Meeker

Lenny Klinglesmith, a Meeker, Colo., rancher, has been preparing to coexist with wolves in Colorado. He is a member of the Stakeholders Advisory Group that was convened by Colorado Parks and Wildlife to provide a…

www.thefencepost.com

It’s only going to get worse

 

[JustSomeGuy35]

No problem. It’s ironic to me all the earth lovers that build their massive homes on critical winter range around sun valley and then complain about the deer and elk eating their landscaping and damaging the golf courses. Then they freak out when the lions and wolves follow the game down and their pets start to disappear from their backyards. That what happens when you build your mansion where the wildlife need to go to survive the winter. But anyway, rant over.

I assumed you didn’t live around wolves because everywhere that I’ve lived and there’s been wolves, there is always conflict with humans in some way, shape, or form (typically livestock and pets). I remember as kid in Alaska my dad shooting wolves that were attacking our dog in our driveway. It happened more than once. Wolves are a different critter. They don’t give a fart about humans until they’ve been hunted a bit and learn to avoid humans. If they’re introduced to Colorado I’m sure they won’t be hunted for a long time. It took 25 years here in Idaho to get the hunting season really going. I’m sure it’ll be longer in Colorado which will result in conflicts in the areas mentioned in this thread. Hope this information helps.

I want you to know that I agree with what you wrote and share your views.

The only reason why I weigh in on wolf topics is because of the hysteria that surrounds it. Many people talk like Colorado can't support any population of wolves when the reality is that there is no evidence to support that notion. I don't have to forsake civilization and run on all fours with the pack to read books, state biologist reports, watch documentaries, etc.

To be clear though, I don't believe that statistical facts should be taken as gospel truth. So I don't believe everything I read...especially from the gov't.

If wolf populations explode in CO, will someone lose a beagle on a rabbit hunt someday? Probably. But I highly doubt it would become an issue like what you've experienced in Alaska. I worked in Alaska and have hunted and fished there many times. Alaska critters are on a whole different level from what we have here in the lower 48.

Thanks for the conversation and information!

 

[sbaker0029]

Has anybody read the book "A Beast in the Garden"? It's literally about this exact same scenario in the exact same region but took place 20 or 30 years ago.

I used to live in Ned which is how I came across this book.

Edit: This should be required reading if moving into the mountains of Boulder County or anywhere along the Front Range. Then maybe people wouldn't be surprised when a mountain lion jumps a 6 ft fence with a German Shepherd in its jaws. (That happened near Nederland and is detailed in the book). View attachment 495868

Looks like a good read. I'll be adding it to my list. Thanks

 

[JustSomeGuy35]

Pack of wolves kills livestock and dog in Jackson County

The series of attacks over the past couple of weeks has ranchers concerned about the pack of wolves they believe migrated south from Wyoming.

www.9news.com

18 head of 600-pound calves dead after apparent wolf attack near Meeker

Lenny Klinglesmith, a Meeker, Colo., rancher, has been preparing to coexist with wolves in Colorado. He is a member of the Stakeholders Advisory Group that was convened by Colorado Parks and Wildlife to provide a…

www.thefencepost.com

It’s only going to get worse

Yep, I am familiar with those stories. Thank you for sharing them though!

When I talk about wolves, just so everyone understands, I'm not referring to livestock predation issues. That's a whole different ball game. To me, it should be expected that predators will kill dumb ass farm animals. Would you leave a plate of cheeseburgers on a table, with 30 fatties surrounding it, and expect your burgs to be safe?

Also, to be honest, I don't have much sympathy for the plight of lost livestock. That probably sounds dickish but I have solid reasons for it.

Edit: I just realized your name is mountain rancher. Of course you would be concerned about wolf predation! Sorry I didn't catch that before answering!

 

[JustSomeGuy35]

Alright, time to be honest, guys. What do you think is a bigger danger to Colorado wildlife?

Option 1 - The fearsome Grey wolf



Or

Option 2 - The dreaded hipster


Or

Option 3 - Money bag developers



I know the answer....do you?

 

[fngTony]

Can we just have one Colorado thread stay on topic please?

 

[*zap*]

Smart/hard people exterminated wolves. Soft/notsosmart people now want them back.

 

[Elk botherer]

I want you to know that I agree with what you wrote and share your views.

The only reason why I weigh in on wolf topics is because of the hysteria that surrounds it. Many people talk like Colorado can't support any population of wolves when the reality is that there is no evidence to support that notion. I don't have to forsake civilization and run on all fours with the pack to read books, state biologist reports, watch documentaries, etc.

To be clear though, I don't believe that statistical facts should be taken as gospel truth. So I don't believe everything I read...especially from the gov't.

If wolf populations explode in CO, will someone lose a beagle on a rabbit hunt someday? Probably. But I highly doubt it would become an issue like what you've experienced in Alaska. I worked in Alaska and have hunted and fished there many times. Alaska critters are on a whole different level from what we have here in the lower 48.

Thanks for the conversation and information!

Happy to share my experience for what it’s worth. I think the hysteria with wolves is they do significantly impact the dynamics of big game herds. I hunt solo frequently in the Idaho backcountry and I don’t fear for my life from wolves, even though I have had several run ins including one very close encounter where I was briefly surrounded by the pack in thick timber. That was hairy( I was archery hunting and my pistol kept rubbing my backpack belt so I threw it in my pack about thirty minutes before the incident. I couldn’t get a shot with my bow due to too many branches even though they were about 10 yards away and by the time I got my pistol out they were not visible but I could hear them walking/howling around me) but once they realized I was a human they faded away.

There’s a principle in ecology called the Competitive Exclusion Principle which states no two species can occupy the same niche in the same habitat at the same time. Due to limited resources there isn’t enough for all species that utilize a single resource and all survive, hence the competition. Wolves kill bears and lions. When bears and lions get a chance they kill wolves. They kill the other to ensure their access to the big game and survival. The same is true with humans and wolves. Humans have managed big game populations for years and now we have to share with wolves. Do wolves kill all the game in the entire state? No. Do they impact populations in certain drainages? Yes. I have witnessed this particular phenomenon in my favorite place to hunt. Wolf pack moves in, moose and deer disappear and then the elk slowly disappear. The wolves prey on who they can catch, which is usually the calves. An adult in bad shape can still outrun and out muscle a calf. No calves for a few years and your population structure skews old and the amount of fertile cows drops and then you lose all recruitment to your population and then the herd implodes. The elk have now tanked and the wolves then move out to greener pastures. A few years later the drainage will rebound and the hunting will get good again until the next pack moves in. We’re in our second cycle of the wolf/prey dynamics right now. It sucks and that’s why we don’t like them. Critters are super vigilant and don’t respond to calling like normal so freezers go empty. We compete with them for the same resource and because of that principle humans will always have conflicts with wolves.

Hound hunting is another story. I know of some people that don’t run their hounds in certain areas for lions and bear anymore because several times they’ve lost multiple hounds to wolves. It’s hard to lose a good working dog that usually has years of training invested and the relationships built during that time. Wolves are another way to shut hound hunting down. Some hysteria is far from being based on reality but some of it is. Wolves are definitely a polarizing subject. Me, not a fan but not rabidly anti wolf. If they naturally spread that’s one thing but to have them politically shoved down your throat, that’s another. That’s also probably part of the anti wolf hysteria. Sorry for the long winded reply, but its a complicated and deep subject. Happy trails!

 

[JustSomeGuy35]

Happy to share my experience for what it’s worth. I think the hysteria with wolves is they do significantly impact the dynamics of big game herds. I hunt solo frequently in the Idaho backcountry and I don’t fear for my life from wolves, even though I have had several run ins including one very close encounter where I was briefly surrounded by the pack in thick timber. That was hairy( I was archery hunting and my pistol kept rubbing my backpack belt so I threw it in my pack about thirty minutes before the incident. I couldn’t get a shot with my bow due to too many branches even though they were about 10 yards away and by the time I got my pistol out they were not visible but I could hear them walking/howling around me) but once they realized I was a human they faded away.

There’s a principle in ecology called the Competitive Exclusion Principle which states no two species can occupy the same niche in the same habitat at the same time. Due to limited resources there isn’t enough for all species that utilize a single resource and all survive, hence the competition. Wolves kill bears and lions. When bears and lions get a chance they kill wolves. They kill the other to ensure their access to the big game and survival. The same is true with humans and wolves. Humans have managed big game populations for years and now we have to share with wolves. Do wolves kill all the game in the entire state? No. Do they impact populations in certain drainages? Yes. I have witnessed this particular phenomenon in my favorite place to hunt. Wolf pack moves in, moose and deer disappear and then the elk slowly disappear. The wolves prey on who they can catch, which is usually the calves. An adult in bad shape can still outrun and out muscle a calf. No calves for a few years and your population structure skews old and the amount of fertile cows drops and then you lose all recruitment to your population and then the herd implodes. The elk have now tanked and the wolves then move out to greener pastures. A few years later the drainage will rebound and the hunting will get good again until the next pack moves in. We’re in our second cycle of the wolf/prey dynamics right now. It sucks and that’s why we don’t like them. Critters are super vigilant and don’t respond to calling like normal so freezers go empty. We compete with them for the same resource and because of that principle humans will always have conflicts with wolves.

Hound hunting is another story. I know of some people that don’t run their hounds in certain areas for lions and bear anymore because several times they’ve lost multiple hounds to wolves. It’s hard to lose a good working dog that usually has years of training invested and the relationships built during that time. Wolves are another way to shut hound hunting down. Some hysteria is far from being based on reality but some of it is. Wolves are definitely a polarizing subject. Me, not a fan but not rabidly anti wolf. If they naturally spread that’s one thing but to have them politically shoved down your throat, that’s another. That’s also probably part of the anti wolf hysteria. Sorry for the long winded reply, but its a complicated and deep subject. Happy trails!

Once again, I thoroughly appreciate you sharing your knowledge and experience on the topic! It's great when people share like you have, versus the usual uninsightful, "wolves bad, wolves should die". Unfortunately, those same people will latch on to what you've shared as if they came up with it themselves, and use it to support their mindless opinions.

 

[DawnPatrol]

I imagine a majority of these people voted for the re introduction of wolves to the state.

A few wolves would probably put the fear of god into the lions.

Too bad the wolves are equally likely to kill peoples dogs.

 

[JustSomeGuy35]

Can we just have one Colorado thread stay on topic please?

Hey, I'm just trying to earn my wolf moniker! I can't be the "accused wolf lover" if I sit out the discussions.

Hahaha

 

[JustSomeGuy35]

A few wolves would probably put the fear of god into the lions.

Too bad the wolves are equally likely to kill peoples dogs.

An argument could be made that wolves would push the deer and elk closer to human habitat, thereby increasing cougar/human interaction since cougars would follow the "food".

To your second point: Nobody that keeps their dogs in a fenced yard or on a leash should worry about wolves.

 

[Gobbler36]

No problem. It’s ironic to me all the earth lovers that build their massive homes on critical winter range around sun valley and then complain about the deer and elk eating their landscaping and damaging the golf courses. Then they freak out when the lions and wolves follow the game down and their pets start to disappear from their backyards. That what happens when you build your mansion where the wildlife need to go to survive the winter. But anyway, rant over.

I assumed you didn’t live around wolves because everywhere that I’ve lived and there’s been wolves, there is always conflict with humans in some way, shape, or form (typically livestock and pets). I remember as kid in Alaska my dad shooting wolves that were attacking our dog in our driveway. It happened more than once. Wolves are a different critter. They don’t give a fart about humans until they’ve been hunted a bit and learn to avoid humans. If they’re introduced to Colorado I’m sure they won’t be hunted for a long time. It took 25 years here in Idaho to get the hunting season really going. I’m sure it’ll be longer in Colorado which will result in conflicts in the areas mentioned in this thread. Hope this information helps.

Agreed so ironic
but what would you expect from trust fund yuppies. why can’t those people just all move to one single state and stat there and ruin for themselves…
ok rant over.

absolutely will be conflicts

 

[Nickofthewoods]

Looks like a good read. I'll be adding it to my list. Thanks

It's a surprisingly good book!

 

[HighUintas]

There's so much ragging on the Nederland residents. It sounds like they were wanting CPW to capture/kill the lions, not have another meeting on how to live peaceably with them.

I hate my dog and would like to have some cat meat so it sounds I need to move there.

 

[PathFinder]

We're ragging on them because their own stupid ideology led them to this end. If I go knock on someone's door in Ned and ask for permission to run a cat track with my hounds, no way will I get permission. They want a fairy tale nature experience without any of the harsh reality. A few good races will change a cat's entire perspective about people and dogs, but to the typical resident of this entire region that is appalling. Now they're paying their well deserved dues, and their useless rescue mutts are taking the brunt of it

Sent from my Pixel 6 using Tapatalk

 

[Fatcamp]

I want you to know that I agree with what you wrote and share your views.

The only reason why I weigh in on wolf topics is because of the hysteria that surrounds it. Many people talk like Colorado can't support any population of wolves when the reality is that there is no evidence to support that notion. I don't have to forsake civilization and run on all fours with the pack to read books, state biologist reports, watch documentaries, etc.

To be clear though, I don't believe that statistical facts should be taken as gospel truth. So I don't believe everything I read...especially from the gov't.

If wolf populations explode in CO, will someone lose a beagle on a rabbit hunt someday? Probably. But I highly doubt it would become an issue like what you've experienced in Alaska. I worked in Alaska and have hunted and fished there many times. Alaska critters are on a whole different level from what we have here in the lower 48.

Thanks for the conversation and information!

You're being purposely obtuse. 8 pet dogs are listed separately with this accounting.

FOX 11 Investigates: Hunting dogs killed by wolves

They were once on the verge of being wiped out but wolves are now thriving in Wisconsin. Some believe that record wolf population is the main reason behind the rise in attacks on hunting dogs. But others say that's not necessarily the case.Dick Baudhuin st

www.google.com

 

[Rich M]

Just shoot the ******* things before they eat someone’s kids. With wolves on the horizon those people back there are in for a rude awakening. Everyone is a nature lover until nature things happen.

Liberals dont understand that killing the damn things would save their dogs. If they did those lions woulda been gone long ago.

Once again, I thoroughly appreciate you sharing your knowledge and experience on the topic! It's great when people share like you have, versus the usual uninsightful, "wolves bad, wolves should die". Unfortunately, those same people will latch on to what you've shared as if they came up with it themselves, and use it to support their mindless opinions.

I think we all know who has mindless opinions and set in stone ideas eithout experiences to match.

Our forefathers exterminated lions, wolves, and bears for a reason. The nature/disney lover has no clue and wants em back. Then their dogs cats kids and sometimes selves become food. They cant understand it - why cant we all just get along?

The fact that those folks didnt immediately remove the threat immediately speaks volumes. CPW says you cant defend your dog. Why would they listen? Cause they are all liverals and will rat eachother out if someone shot the threat. Special kind of stupid.

 

[displacedtexan]

Can we just have one Colorado thread stay on topic please?

Can you make realistic requests? Lol