RMNP has to cull elk because we lost the natural top predator in the ecosystem (the wolf). With this comes the chronic wasting disease (which has now spread across the west).
We don't have wolves because of the rancher and hunter lobby. The majority of the public in Colorado supports wolf reintroduction.
Fortunately, this is going to change, whether they want it or not: the wolves travel large distances and have already appeared in Colorado. I would not be surprised if somebody would actually transfer or release some sanctuary animals. The Wind Rivers has wolves, then it's 100-150 miles to Snowy Range and then the Front Range is right there. Just give it time and protection.
Between the Wind Rivers and the Front Range of Colorado is the Great Divide Basin - it's a very difficult region for animals to simply migrate across - especially animals specific to colder, wetter climates - and most especially without any great reason.
People can, and do release wolves into Colorado in hopes to reintroduce them. I believe that's where most of the sightings are coming from. Many times these wolves are wolf/dog hybrids. I've had complete strangers admit to as much. I very much suspect any sightings of wolves in CO though, almost as much as I do grizzly bear.
We don't have wolves because of the rancher and hunter lobby. The majority of the public in Colorado supports wolf reintroduction.
Fortunately, this is going to change, whether they want it or not: the wolves travel large distances and have already appeared in Colorado. I would not be surprised if somebody would actually transfer or release some sanctuary animals. The Wind Rivers has wolves, then it's 100-150 miles to Snowy Range and then the Front Range is right there. Just give it time and protection.