What To Do If You See a Wild Animal?
Colorado is known for its vast wilderness, stunning landscapes, and diverse wildlife. From elk to bison to bears, there are many opportunities to interact with wildlife in Colorado. However, it's important to remember that these animals are wild and should be treated with respect and caution.
Observe from a distance
When encountering wildlife in Colorado, it's important to remember to observe from a safe distance. Getting too close to wildlife can be dangerous, for both you and the animal. The general rule is to stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves and at least 25 yards away from all other wildlife. A good rule of thumb; the further away you are, the safer you are.
Do not feed the wildlife!
Feeding wildlife in Colorado is illegal and can be harmful to the animals. Feeding wildlife often causes animals to become dependent on human food, which leads to aggressive behavior and dangerous situations. It can also cause animals to lose their natural fear of humans, which can be dangerous for both animals and people.
Keep your distance from newborn animals
During the spring and summer months, many animals in Colorado give birth to their young. It's important to keep your distance from newborn animals, as the mother is likely nearby and may become aggressive if she perceives a threat to her young. Additionally, handling or touching newborn animals can cause them to become abandoned by their mothers.
Be aware of your surroundings
When exploring Colorado's wilderness, it's important to be aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye out for signs of wildlife activity, such as tracks, droppings, and scratch marks on trees. Make noise while hiking to alert wildlife to your presence and avoid surprising them.
Additionally, be aware of your surroundings at all times, especially in areas with a high bear or mountain lion activity. We recommends that you try to avoid exploring with noise canceling headphones as it will make it much harder for you to know when you could be in danger.
Properly store food and trash
Whether you’re camping or taking out the trash in your own front yard in Colorado, it's important to properly store your food and trash to avoid attracting wildlife. Use bear-resistant containers or hang your food at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet away from the tree trunk. Properly dispose of all trash and food waste in designated containers or pack it out with you.
Interacting with wildlife in Colorado can be an incredible experience. However, it's important to remember to observe from a safe distance, not feed the wildlife, keep your distance from newborn animals, be aware of your surroundings, and properly store food and trash. By following these tips, you can enjoy Colorado's wilderness while ensuring the safety of yourself and the animals.