Colorado’s reintroduced gray wolves now number an estimated 45 animals, including 20 pups born this year.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife released the estimate as of September 24. Four packs produced pups this spring, a milestone for the voter-approved restoration program.

The agency also announced it will pause the killing of wolves after ranchers’ losses. Five yearling wolves had been killed this year.

“Right now, we’re in a critical moment for wolf restoration in Colorado,” said agency director Laura Clellan. She said survival of existing wolves is essential for a self-sustaining population.

Adult wolf survival between April 2025 and March 2026 was 61 percent, below the typical 75 percent for unhunted populations. Pup survival in western wolf populations usually runs 50 to 60 percent.

The state’s recovery plan calls for a minimum self-sustaining population of 150 to 200 wolves.

Genetic analysis shows high diversity in the population, which officials called promising. No new wolf releases are planned for 2026 after the state could not secure animals from other states.