While officials have been debating as to whether or not gray wolves should be reintroduced to Colorado, it looks like the animals have been coming in on their own.

Gray wolves have not been native to Colorado since the 1940s, but it is not unusual for a lone wolf to wander in from a neighboring state.

However, it appears that a pack of wolves is now residing in our state.

Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) confirmed a wolf pack sighting in Moffat County earlier this year, and now they've gathered even more evidence of the animals' presence.

CPW officers attempted to locate the wolves spotted in Moffat County, which were seen near an elk carcass surrounded by wolf tracks.

They heard wolf howls in the area and were able to see six wolves in the distance through binoculars. More tracks were also visible.

According to a press release from CPW, the tracks were around five inches and likely belonged to a pack of six or more wolves.

"This is a historic sighting. I am honored to welcome our canine friends back to Colorado after their long absence," said Governor Jared Polis. "While the animals have naturally migrated to our state and their presence draws public interest, it's important that people give them space."

CPW stated that they will not take direct action in the wolf pack sightings, noting that the animals' protected status puts them under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

However, anyone who believes they have spotted or heard a wolf is asked to fill out a wolf sighting form immediately.

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