Montrose County Proposes Ordinance to Prohibit Non-Native Species
A proposed ordinance in Montrose County aims to halt the reintroduction of non-native species, including the Canadian gray wolf. The ordinance, introduced by the board of county commissioners, would impose fines of up to $1,000 per day for bringing a wolf into the county.
According to Montrose County Commissioner Scott Mijares, introducing an apex predator like the Canadian gray wolf could endanger federally protected species.
We're introducing an apex predator into our communities and (into) an environment that literally can endanger endangered species that are federally protected.
The ordinance, No. 2025-01, defines non-native species as any animal not historically present in Montrose County in the 100 years prior to the effective date of the ordinance, including the Canadian Gray Wolf (Canis lupus).
Author's summary: Montrose County proposes fines for introducing non-native species.