A new ordinance has been formally introduced in western Colorado that’s designed to prohibit the introduction, transport, release, support facilities, or habitat establishment of non-native animal species within unincorporated Montrose County. As noted in a press release on the matter, among species that would be prohibited are Canadian gray wolves.

“The ordinance explicitly covers migratory arrivals and species not historically native to this region, including the Canadian gray wolf lineage,” reads the press release on the matter. “This action is grounded in Colorado law that empowers counties to legislate in matters of local concern, protect property rights, and regulate land use.”

The ordinance was first introduced at a Board of County Commissioners meeting on October 15, dubbed Ordinance Number 2025-01. The proposal comes amid continued controversy around the impact of Colorado’s voter-approved wolf reintroduction effort, which started to introduce wolves into rural parts of the state in December of 2023.

“These wolves were never native to Colorado,” notes the press release. “The state’s original native subspecies, the Southern Rocky Mountain wolf, was eradicated prior to the mid-20th century and is now considered extinct.”

“I’m deeply concerned that the Canadian gray wolf, as an apex predator, poses a serious threat to federally protected endangered species that are native to Montrose County,” said Montrose County Board Chair Scott Mijares.

A key concern expressed related to translocating wolves to rural parts of the state has also involved the impacts of livestock depredation.

The full text of the ordinance reveals that breaking it if it gets approved would result in steep penalties – a fine of up to $1,000 per day plus financial liability from damages stemming from the introduction of a non-native species.

As far as whether or not the ordinance would violate current legislation around the wolf reintroduction, the text reads: “Proposition 114, as adopted by Colorado voters, requires reintroduction of gray wolves on the western slope but does not mandate their presence in all counties nor prohibit counties from adopting protective measures consistent with state and federal law.”

Per Colorado Public Radio reporting, Colorado officials could be considered liable for violations.

A second reading of the ordinance should take place in an upcoming meeting later this year and if it is adopted, the ordinance would become effective 30 days later.

Many questions still remain in a scenario where the ordinance is adopted – is it enforceable? will it be contested by the state? if it’s effective, will other counties follow suit?

Find a press release on the matter and additional official materials here. Find Colorado Public Radio reporting that gets into the debate around whether or not the ordinance would work here.