A recent incident in southeastern Wyoming has sparked curiosity and raised questions about the presence of wolves in an unexpected region. A rancher's encounter with a mysterious predator has left many wondering about the origins and implications of this rare visitor.
Royce Breeden, a rancher near the small town of Carpenter, shot what he believed to be a wolf on January 25th. This event is particularly intriguing as wolves are rarely spotted in this area of Wyoming. Breeden's encounter occurred approximately 2 ½ miles north of the Wyoming-Colorado border, leading to speculation about the wolf's potential origins.
But here's where it gets controversial... While Colorado recently began reintroducing wolves in December 2023, most of these wolves are fitted with tracking collars. Breeden's wolf, however, did not have a collar, leaving its origin a mystery. "Whoknowswhere it came from? I have no idea," Breeden shared with Cowboy State Daily.
Wolves are known for their extensive roaming habits. For instance, a 3-year-old female wolf captured and collared near Cody in 2014 made an impressive journey to Arizona's Grand Canyon region. This highlights the potential for wolves to travel great distances, which could explain the presence of this wolf in southeastern Wyoming.
First in Laramie County? Breeden's family ranch is located in Laramie County, where it's legal to shoot wolves on sight without a license, as is the case in roughly 85% of Wyoming outside Yellowstone National Park. Breeden reported the shooting to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and was informed that it was the first recorded instance of a wolf being legally shot in Laramie County.
However, the Game and Fish Department, per state statute, cannot release or comment on details regarding legally taken wolves. Amanda Fry, a spokeswoman for the agency, stated in an email to Cowboy State Daily, "Game and Fish is only able to release aggregate numbers of legally taken wolves, and we cannot provide further details."
Gigantic Tracks and a Hunt Breeden and his father occasionally hunt coyotes on their property to protect their cattle from predators. The day before the wolf encounter, they noticed two sets of tracks on a two-track road, one on each side. One set was significantly larger than the other.
"We thought, 'Holy cow, those tracks are really big for a coyote,'" Breeden recalled. They later realized one set belonged to a coyote, while the other was from a wolf.
At the time, they were unsure what to make of it. "We didn't know if somebody's livestock dog had gotten out, or what had happened," Breeden said. However, the idea of a wolf being in the area was at the back of their minds.
The next day, they went coyote hunting, using an electronic call to mimic the sounds of a distressed small prey animal to attract coyotes. During one setup, Breeden spotted a huge animal near a rock, about 320 yards away. "I said, 'That ain't no coyote, I think that's the wolf that made the tracks,'" he recalled, adding that his father initially thought he was joking.
The animal stood up and stretched, a behavior consistent with a wolf. After observing it for some time and confirming it was a wolf, Breeden took the shot.
He plans to have a taxidermist create a full-body mount of the wolf.
Breeden noted that prior to finding the tracks and shooting the wolf, he had never seen any signs of wolves in the area. There have been rumors of wolves on neighboring ranches on the Colorado side of the state line, but no confirmed sightings.
"We've darn sure never seen a wolf before around here," he emphasized.
This incident raises questions about the movement and behavior of wolves, particularly as reintroduction efforts continue in nearby states. It also highlights the challenges of managing predator populations and the importance of accurate identification in such situations.
And this is the part most people miss... While the focus is often on the wolf, it's important to consider the rancher's perspective and the potential impact of such encounters on their livelihoods and way of life. This incident serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics between humans and wildlife, especially in regions where predator populations are managed differently.
What are your thoughts on this unexpected wolf encounter? Do you think it's an isolated incident, or could it indicate a larger trend? Share your insights and opinions in the comments below!
