Colorado Parks and Wildlife biologists confirmed that the death of a female gray wolf occurred in Rocky Mountain National Park on Sunday, April 20. 

The U.S Fish and Wildlife Service is investigating the mortality due to the fact that wolves are a federally listed species under the Endangered Species Act, according to a press release by Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

“A final determination of the cause of death will not be made until the investigation is completed, including the necropsy, a foundational component of the overall investigation process,” the press release states. 

The wolf, known as 2514-BC, was part of the group of 15 wolves translocated to Colorado from British Columbia during the state’s reintroduction.

According to the statement, wolf survival in Colorado is within what Parks and Wildlife considers normal margins for a wolf population within the Rocky Mountains, and the average lifespan of a gray wolf in the Rocky Mountains is generally three to four years.

“Mortality is a factor that plays a role in all natural populations,” the release states. 

This the third death this year of amongst the 15 wolves relocated from British Columbia to Colorado in January. Three of the 10 wolves brought to Colorado from Oregon in 2023 have also died.  

One male died in April following a mountain lion attack. The Copper Creek adult male wolf died following his capture in September from injuries now believed to be from a gunshot wound. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is still investigating the death. Another male died in September. The initial necropsy results from Fish and Wildlife Services indicated its death was related to a fight with another wolf. 

Editor’s note: This story includes past reporting by reporter Ali Longwell.