The accomplishments, turmoil and novelty of Colorado's first gray wolf reintroduction exactly one year ago have captured the attention of the state and beyond, but controversy continues to follow the historic program as it heads into 2025.

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Wildlife officials are preparing to release as many as 20 gray wolves in western Colorado in the first three months of 2025 while pledging program changes to reduce conflicts with ranchers. Why it matters: This represents a major moment in the controversial initiative after the botched first release in December 2023 eventually led officials to recapture a pack from the wild.

The accomplishments, uproar and simple novelty of Colorado's first wolf reintroduction exactly one year ago captured the attention of the state, but controversy keeps following the program.