With the onset of midsummer, Colorado Parks and Wildlife cautions Colorado residents to leave newborn wildlife alone, and be aware of moose habitats and bears in the area.
Often the worst thing people can do for “abandoned” young wildlife is to pick them up and bring them to a CPW office. It’s common for mothers of wildlife to leave their young in a designated spot while they prepare to feed and house them by their own means. CPW urges people to leave small animals, that appear abandoned, alone and let nature take its course.
Moose populations in Colorado are healthy and can be dangerous if people get too close. Wetlands and mountain meadow areas, where hiking and biking recreation is prevalent, attract moose regularly. Upon entering moose territory, CPW advises to observe at a distance and keep dogs on leashes, away from the attention of the moose. They are particularly wary around dogs, and will charge them without hesitation if too close. If a moose advances quickly, immediately move behind a large object, such as trees, rocks or vehicles.
Bears consistently come into contact with people during the summer. However, because of recent dry-weather conditions, usual food sources have not been readily available, and bears will continue to seek food from residential areas and cause conflicts among human populations. Already, bears have broken into houses, garages, vehicles and other structures through windows, and have been seen in campgrounds searching for food.
CPW released tips to reduce the odds of bear-human conflict, and keep bears wild:
Keep garbage in a well-secured location.Put out garbage only on the morning of pickup.Clean garbage cans regularly; the scent of ammonia can deter bears.Use a bear-resistant trashcan or dumpster, available from a trash hauler or online.Place items that might become smelly into the freezer until trash day if no secure receptacle is available.Keep garage doors closed.Lock doors when away from home and at night.Keep bottom-floor windows of residences closed when home is vacant.Clean thoroughly after picnics in yards or on decks.Talk to neighbors and kids about being bear aware.Do not feed wildlife.Do not leave pet food or stock feed outside.Do not hang bird feeders from April 15 to Nov. 15. Bird feeders are a major source of bear-human conflicts. If bird feeders are a must, clean them every day, bring them in at night and hang them out of bears’ reach.Leave grills on after cooking until grease and food remains are burned off, and clean thoroughly to eliminate odors.Pick fruit from fruit trees before it becomes too ripe, and do not allow fruit to rot on the ground.Secure compost piles from odor.For small-livestock owners, keep animals in fully covered enclosures, do not store food outside, keep enclosures clean and hang ammonia-soaked rags around enclosures to minimize odors.Install electric fencing around beehives, where allowed.Do not keep food in vehicles.Keep clean campsites and do not bring foot into tents.Hang food at least 100 feet away from campsites when camping in backcountry areas.For more information, visit www.cpw.state.co.us.
