Per a report from Cowboy State Daily, critics are claiming that wolves transplanted to Colorado from Oregon were infected with a parasitic disease called Hydatid disease.

In response, Colorado Parks and Wildlife noted that Hydatid disease was already present in Colorado, and that wolves brought into the state were treated for that disease among others prior to release. Officials noted that if wolves have contracted the disease, it could have been passed to them from local prey.

Humans aren’t at much risk for Hydatid disease, but it can infect many mammals. The disease results in cysts on organs and can be fatal.

In this case, the disease was reportedly detected in wolf scat samples collected at a Grand County ranch in 2024. Concern has been expressed that wolves could be a vector for further spread.

Read a full in-depth report on this matter from Cowboy State Daily here.