Wolves reintroduced into Colorado can be killed if they threaten people or livestock, federal officials decide

Colorado wildlife officials likely will be able to haze, relocate and kill the wolves they plan to release later this year after federal officials on Friday gave them the flexibility to manage the endangered species in the state — a decision critical to the state’s wolf reintroduction plan.

Under current law, it is illegal to hurt or kill gray wolves in Colorado since they are listed as endangered species under federal law. But the draft decision released by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service designates the wolves to be introduced here as an experimental population, meaning state officials will have more flexibility to manage the animals.

The federal decision is crucial for Colorado’s reintroduction plans. The decision — called a 10(j) rule — allows state wildlife officials to haze, relocate or euthanize wolves that threaten or kill people, livestock or domestic pets.