Four more cattle have been killed this week by wolves in Grand County.

With the recent attacks, a total of six animals have been killed in April during what is considered to be the heart of calving season. The other two livestock, both calves, were killed in Grand and Jackson counties.

Grand County Commissioner Merrit Linke, himself a rancher, told Colorado Politics the four livestock, all yearlings, came from the same ranch. Three were killed between Monday night and Tuesday morning, while the fourth was Wednesday night.

A statement issued Thursday afternoon by Colorado Parks and Wildlife confirmed the attacks.

CPW received a report of a possible depredation incident in Grand County Wednesday morning, the statement said. Wildlife officers and a biologist responded and conducted a field investigation.

“The field investigation found injuries consistent with wolf depredation on three deceased yearling (an animal that is a year old) cattle. CPW believes the depredation occurred between Monday night and Tuesday morning, when a storm brought a foot of snow to the area covering up the carcasses and delaying their discovery until Wednesday.”

Thursday morning, CPW received a report of a possible fourth depredation incident at the same property and found evidence confirming this to be a wolf-livestock depredation.

“The field investigation found injuries on one dead yearling cattle consistent with wolf depredation, including hemorrhaging and partially consumed hindquarters,” the statement said.

CPW also confirmed wolves from the pack of 10 released in Grand County in December were in the area.

The department is finalizing a range rider plan to assist livestock producers to deter wolf and livestock conflict. “Communication between CPW, CDA and livestock producers is a top priority during calving season.”

Colorado Parks and Wildlife said the producer would be eligible for fair market value compensation if a claim is submitted. More specifically, the cattle’s owner can be compensated by the state for the animal’s market value, up to $15,000.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife released 10 wolves into Grand County in December. All the wolves came from Oregon, several from packs with a history of livestock predation, despite a pledge from CPW to avoid picking wolves with that history.

Wolves in Jackson County have killed 16 cattle and calves, working dogs and sheep. Those wolves, however, came into Colorado several years ago from Wyoming. Two wolves from that original group are still believed to be in Colorado.

The dozen wolves in Colorado are all collared, although their offspring, if any, are not.