Colorado Revised Statutes Title 35. Agriculture § 35-43-118. Maverick defined--branding penalty

(1) All neat cattle and horses found running at large in this state without a mother and upon which there is neither mark nor brand shall be deemed a maverick and shall be sold to the highest bidder for cash at such time and place and under such rules and orders as the state board of stock inspection commissioners prescribes. Nothing in this section shall be construed to apply to domestic or blooded stock owned and kept in cities or towns or on private farms that may stray upon the open range, and all such animals that are claimed, identified, and proven may be reclaimed.

(2) Any person who marks, brands, or causes to be marked or branded, or in any way converts to the person's use any animal known and designated by law as a maverick, if not by law authorized to do so, or who knowingly allows such marking, branding, or conversion, as is prohibited by this section, to be done by the person's employee or agent in the person's behalf commits a class 2 misdemeanor.