Living in Colorado’s majestic mountains offers breathtaking views and a unique lifestyle, but it also means sharing your space with a diverse array of wildlife. Understanding how to coexist with mountain animals not only helps protect the animals but also ensures your safety and the well-being of your property. Here’s a guide to help you navigate living harmoniously with Colorado’s wildlife.
1. Understanding Local Wildlife
Colorado is home to a variety of wildlife, each with its own habits and habitats. Here are some common mountain animals you might encounter:
Black Bears: These large mammals are often seen in Colorado’s mountain regions, especially in the spring and summer. They are attracted to easy food sources and can become a nuisance if they find human food.
Mountain Lions: Also known as cougars or pumas, mountain lions are elusive and prefer to avoid humans. However, they can be dangerous if they feel threatened or if their natural prey is scarce.
Elk and Deer: These majestic herbivores are common in mountain areas. They can sometimes wander into residential areas, particularly during mating season or when searching for food.
Marmots and Squirrels: Smaller animals like marmots and squirrels are frequently seen and are known for their burrowing and foraging activities.
Birds of Prey: Eagles, hawks, and owls are common in Colorado’s mountains and play an important role in the ecosystem as predators.
2. Safety Tips for Coexisting with Wildlife
To ensure both your safety and the well-being of wildlife, follow these essential guidelines:
Bear Safety
Secure Food Sources: Keep all food, including pet food, in bear-proof containers or inside your home. Bears have an incredible sense of smell and can be attracted to even small food scraps.
Clean Up: Regularly clean your grill and outdoor cooking areas to remove food odors. Don’t leave trash outside overnight; use bear-proof bins if available.
Avoid Attracting Bears: Bird feeders can attract bears. If you must use them, take them down during bear season (typically late spring through early fall).
Mountain Lion Safety
Be Vigilant: If you encounter a mountain lion, make yourself look larger by raising your arms or opening a jacket. Do not run, as this may trigger a chase response.
Keep Pets and Children Safe: Keep pets on a leash and supervise children while outside, especially in areas where mountain lions are known to roam.
Make Noise: When hiking or walking, make noise to alert mountain lions of your presence. They prefer to avoid humans if they know you are near.
Elk and Deer Safety
Respect Wildlife: Maintain a safe distance from elk and deer. They are wild animals and can be unpredictable, especially during rutting season (fall) when males are more aggressive.
Avoid Feeding: Do not feed elk or deer, as this can cause them to become reliant on human food and lose their natural foraging behaviors.
Smaller Wildlife Safety
Avoid Feeding Squirrels and Marmots: Feeding smaller wildlife can lead to aggressive behavior and dependency on human food.
Secure Your Home: Ensure that your home is well-sealed to prevent small animals from entering, particularly in areas where they might seek shelter or food.
3. How to Prevent Wildlife Encounters
Fencing: Install proper fencing around gardens and property areas to keep out larger animals like deer and elk. Make sure fences are tall and well-maintained.
Proper Waste Management: Keep garbage in secure containers and dispose of waste regularly to avoid attracting wildlife.
Use Repellents: Natural repellents or deterrents can be used to keep animals away from specific areas. For example, some people use coyote urine to deter deer.
4. What to Do If You Encounter Wildlife
Stay Calm: If you encounter wildlife, stay calm and avoid sudden movements. Assess the situation and determine the safest course of action.
Give Space: Allow wildlife plenty of space to move away from you. Most animals will avoid humans if they have a clear escape route.
Report Problem Animals: If wildlife becomes a persistent problem or poses a danger, contact local wildlife authorities or animal control for assistance.
Conclusion
Living in Colorado’s beautiful mountain regions comes with the responsibility of coexisting with its diverse wildlife. By understanding the behaviors of local animals and following safety guidelines, you can enjoy the natural beauty of your surroundings while ensuring both your safety and the well-being of Colorado’s wildlife. Embrace the adventure of mountain living with respect and awareness, and you’ll find that harmonious coexistence is both possible and rewarding.
Enjoy your mountain life while keeping these tips in mind, and remember to always prioritize safety for both yourself and the wildlife around you.