Governor Jared Polis signed Senate Bill 25-168 on Monday, giving Colorado Parks and Wildlife greater authority to battle wildlife trafficking. 

The bill increases penalties to traffickers, supports law enforcement capacity and will increase data collection on illegal activity threatening the state’s native wildlife. 

The law was a priority for CPW and the Colorado Department of Natural Resources during a legislative session earlier this year. It aims to put a stop to trade in wildlife and wildlife parts which often crosses state and international lines. 

The bill also fills gaps in the agency’s ability to enforce trafficking violations of lower-profile animals and species, such as reptiles and fish. 

The legislation expands CPW’s ability to investigate and prosecute trafficking activity, not just illegal possession or sale. It also gives officers the ability to respond to trafficking of non-native species being moved through or into the state. 

Previously, CPW was only able to address trafficking in limited ways, according to Ty Petersburg, CPW chief of law enforcement.

“Colorado’s lack of comprehensive data on wildlife trafficking has made it difficult to fully understand and respond to the threats facing our native species,” said Dan Gibbs, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, in a news release. “This law gives CPW the authority and tools to support federal efforts and protect Colorado’s biodiversity.”

Bill 25-168 Keys:

• Improves CPW enforcement authority on wildlife trafficking, creating  additional investigation opportunities specific to wildlife trafficking in Colorado
• Enhances penalties regarding wildlife trafficking; including a Class 4 felony for trafficking $10,000 worth of wildlife
• Improves data collection 
• Targets both native and non-native species involved in trafficking
• Helps protect ecosystems from harmful species introductions and illegal commercialization