Code of Colorado Regulations
400 - Department of Natural Resources
406 - Colorado Parks and Wildlife (406 Series, Wildlife)
2 CCR 406-17 - CHAPTER W-17 - DAMAGE CAUSED BY WILDLIFE
Article XVI - DAMAGE CAUSED BY GRAY WOLVES
Section 17169 - RATIO CLAIMS; RATIO CLAIM FORMS

A. Ratio Claims enable claimants to seek compensation for missing calves and all classes of sheep based on either a 5:1 or 7:1 ratio of missing calves/sheep relative to each Confirmed Wolf Depredation experienced by the claimant. Compensable calves are limited to the calves of species listed in § 33-2-105.8(5)(c), CRS. Missing livestock guard animals and missing livestock herding animals are not compensable through a Ratio Claim. In order to receive compensation at a 7:1 ratio for calves or sheep, the claimant must prove, by a preponderance of the evidence, that they took reasonable steps to use Nonlethal Conflict Minimization. Where the claimant fails to make such a showing, otherwise valid claims will be paid at a 5:1 ratio. Under no circumstances may the claimant seek compensation for missing calves or sheep in an amount that exceeds the actual number of documented calves or sheep missing. In the event, CPW pays for missing animals and an animal is subsequently returned to the claimant, the claimant shall repay CPW the amount equal to the amount the claimant received from CPW for that animal with 30 days of the animal being returned.

B. Ratio Claims enable claimants to seek compensation for missing yearlings on either a 1:1 or 1.25:1 ratio of missing yearlings relative to each Confirmed Wolf Depredation experienced by the claimant. Compensable yearlings are limited to the yearlings of species listed in § 33-2-105.8(5)(c), CRS. In order to receive compensation at a 1.25:1 ratio for yearlings, the claimant must prove, by a preponderance of the evidence, that they took reasonable steps to use Nonlethal Conflict Minimization. Where the claimant fails to make such a showing, otherwise valid claims will be paid at a 1:1 ratio. Under no circumstances may the claimant seek compensation for missing yearlings in an amount that exceeds the actual number of documented yearlings missing. In the event, CPW pays for missing animals and an animal is subsequently returned to the claimant, the claimant shall repay CPW the amount equal to the amount the claimant received from CPW for that animal with 30 days of the animal being returned.

C. The claimant may only pursue claims for missing calves, yearlings or sheep where grazing occurs in large, open range situations, where locating carcasses is difficult due to geographic / topographic factors. The burden of proving that a claimant cannot seek compensation for missing calves, yearlings or sheep in any particular case due to such factors shall be on the Division. During its initial investigation into each Notice of Loss, the Division shall determine whether such factors prevent the claimant from pursuing a Ratio Claim and the Division shall promptly notify the claimant of such determination.

D. In order to receive compensation, claimants must complete a Ratio Claim form provided by the Division and file the same with the relevant CPW Area Office within 90 days of the Division's receipt of the claimant's last Notice of Loss. Provided, however, the claimant may elect to delay filing a Proof of Loss form for a ratio claim up to and including December 31 for the year when the losses were sustained by signing a form prepared by the Division. Incomplete or incorrect forms may be returned to the claimant by the Division. However, the time period for filing Ratio Claim forms shall not be altered thereby.

E. On a Ratio Claim form provided by the Division, the claimant must certify, to the best of their knowledge, that the missing calves, yearlings or sheep were lost due to gray wolves and not other predators, disease, or other factors. The claimant must also certify, to the best of their knowledge, that the missing calves, yearlings or sheep were from the same band or flock of sheep, or herd of domestic cattle as the band, flock or herd associated with the prior Confirmed Wolf Depredation(s).