Colorado Parks and Wildlife Appoints New Wolf Conservation Manager Amid Program Challenges
Matthew Hyde has been appointed as the new wolf conservation manager for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, succeeding Eric Odell. Hyde's appointment comes at a critical time for Colorado's wolf reintroduction program, which has faced numerous challenges since its inception. The program, approved by voters in 2020, has been hindered by conflicts with ranchers and restrictions on importing wolves. Hyde, who has a background in studying the relationship between wolves and humans, is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the program. His predecessor, Odell, was known for his focus on field science and data collection, avoiding policy debates. Hyde's experience includes working with the California Wolf Project and studying carnivore-livestock conflicts. The program has recently seen some success with the reproduction of existing wolf packs and the formation of a new pack, bringing the total number of wolves closer to a self-sustaining population. 
