Wildlife is something many people encounter along the trail. While it may seem fun and cute to see an animal, remember these animals are wild. It can be difficult to know and remember what you should do when you see an animal in the wild. Here is a collection of information and tips from Colorado Parks & Wildlife signs at area trailheads in the Roaring Fork Valley about safety and how to react with area wildlife. Be safe out there!
Bears
Do Your Part!
A few simple steps can help prevent conflicts and the needless death of a bear. Be responsible, talk to your friends and neighbors and help protect your wildlife.
Avoid Attracting Bears
- NEVER intentionally feed a bear or other wildlife
- Place garbage in bear-proof containers
- Take garbage out only the morning of collection
- Clean trash containers with bleach or ammonia
- Always lock dumpster lids
- Take down bird feeders during bear season
- Burn off BBQ grills and smokers after each use
- Close and lock lower level windows and garages
- Keep pet food indoors
- Clean up fallen fruit
Once a bear finds an easy source of food, it will keep coming back and may become more aggressive!
If A Bear Gets Too Close
- Make it feel unwelcome by yelling and waving your arms
- If it approaches, throw rocks and sticks at it. Do not turn and run!
- If it attacks, fight back aggressively as possible!
- Report an aggressive bear or conflicts to Colorado Parks & Wildlife immediately
Enjoy bears from a responsible distance!
Colorado Parks & Wildlife – Glenwood Springs Office
(970) 947-2920
www.cpw.state.co.us
Moose
Avoid Injuries – Keep Your Distance
Moose are magnificent creatures and are exciting to see but they can be very dangerous if you or your dog get too close.
Stay Safe By Remembering These Tips
- Moose see dogs as predators and will attack aggressively
- Consider leaving your dog at home
- Always keep your dog on a short leash and under control
- Moose are not easily spooked and do not fear humans
- Take photos and watch moose only from a distance
- If a moose reacts to your presence, you are too close
- Be aware of your surroundings, do not surprise a moose
- Females will defend their calves aggressively
- Bulls will defend their territory at all times, with increased aggression during the fall mating season in late September through November
Watch For These Signs Of Aggression
- Raised hackles (the hairs on its neck)
- Ears pinned back
- Lowered head
- Swaying back and forth
- Snorting and licking its snout
- A moose may charge with no prior warning
If A Moose Charges You
- Run away as fast as possible!
- Get behind a large tree, rock or other object
- If you are knocked down, get up quickly!
- If injured, seek immediate medical attention
- Report the incident to Colorado Parks & Wildlife as soon as possible
Colorado Parks & Wildlife – Glenwood Springs Office
(970) 947-2920
www.cpw.state.co.us
Mountain Lions
Read & Share These Tips
Lions live among us, preying on deer and other animals. They are an important part of our ecosystem. With a better understanding, we can learn to live with lions.
Mountain Lion Facts
- Adult lions can be 8 feet long and weigh 150 lbs
- Lions have a long tail with a black tip
- Typically solitary but females may travel with young
- Lions are most active at dusk and dawn
- Lions are typically shy and elusive
- Lions are much larger than lynx or bobcats
What To Do If You Live In Lion Country
- Adults should supervise children when outside
- Make noise if outside, especially at dusk or dawn
- Remove vegetation that provides cover for lions
- Consider installing outdoor lighting
- Don’t let pets roam, bring them in at night
- Deer are a lion’s primary prey item. NEVER FEED DEER OR OTHER WILDLIFE!
If You Encounter A Lion
- Stay calm, talk to it firmly and do not run
- Raise your arms, try to appear larger and back away slowly
- Pick up your children and keep them from running
- If the lion approaches, yell loudly and wave your arms
- If it attacks, FIGHT BACK AGGRESSIVELY!
- Report an aggressive mountain lion to Colorado Parks & Wildlife as soon as possible
Colorado Parks & Wildlife – Glenwood Springs Office
(970) 947-2920
www.cpw.state.co.us
Coyotes
Read & Share These Tips
Coyotes in populated areas can lose their fear of humans. They have been known to approach people and attack pets. Remember, NEVER approach or feed a coyote or other wild animal.
If A Coyote Approaches You
- Do not run or turn your back
- Face the animal and back away slowly
- Be as big and loud as possible
- Wave your arms or throw objects
- If attacked, fight back!
Protect Your Pets
- Keep pets on a short leash
- Use extra caution at dusk or dawn
- Avoid den sites, or potential den sites
- Do not allow dogs to interact with coyotes
If You Have Concerns About Coyotes, Be Prepared
- Recreate during daylight hours
- Hike with a walking stick
- Keep a deterrent spray handy
- Carry a noisemaker, rocks or other objects to throw
- Report aggressive wildlife behavior to Colorado Parks & Wildlife as soon as possible
Colorado Parks & Wildlife – Glenwood Springs Office
(970) 947-2920
www.cpw.state.co.us
