Colorado Overturns Fur Sale Ban

The 6-4 vote by the Parks and Wildlife Commission on March 4, 2026, advanced a citizen petition to ban the commercial sale of fur from 17 species of furbearing animals in Colorado. This decision went against the recommendation of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) director and CPW staff, who had suggested denying the petition. The petition was put forth by the Center for Biological Diversity, an animal rights group. Supporters of the ban argue that it aligns furbearing animals with the protections already given to game animals like deer and elk, whose meat cannot be sold commercially. They also contend that the commercialization of wildlife goes against the North American Model of Wildlife Management. Opponents, including hunters, trappers, and some retired CPW biologists, argue the decision is based on ideology rather than science, as there is no evidence of furbearer population decline. Many view this as an attempt to undermine Colorado's hunting and trapping heritage. The meeting was so contentious that increased security was required at the venue. This is not the first time the issue of fur sales has been debated in Colorado. In 2024, Denver voters rejected a ballot measure that would have banned the sale of new fur products in the city. The Center for Biological Diversity was also involved in a failed 2024 ballot measure to ban mountain lion hunting. The species that would be affected by the ban include coyotes, beavers, bobcats, red foxes, and raccoons. While trapping and hunting of these animals would still be permitted, the sale of their fur and other parts would be prohibited. The commission's vote does not enact the ban immediately. Instead, it initiates a formal rulemaking process. CPW staff will now draft a proposed rule, which will be brought back before the commission for further debate and potential modification. The timeline for this next phase has not yet been set.