Meeker Office Closure
The Meeker office is closed until further notice due to the Lee Fire. Please view the news release for additional details and alternative office information.
Meeker Office Closure
The Meeker office is closed until further notice due to the Lee Fire. Please view the news release for additional details and alternative office information.
Living with Wildlife
As cities throughout Colorado grow, new or expanding subdivisions impact wildlife habitat. Wild animals are often displaced by development. Some species are able to live in nearby open spaces, parks, undeveloped parcels of land, river bottoms and on or near bodies of water. Others have adapted well to urban living and seem to thrive in and near cities. In most situations, people and wildlife can coexist. Learn how to avoid potential conflicts before they begin: This is important for your property and pets — and the wildlife living nearby.
Being near wildlife usually delights Colorado residents. But when wildlife gets too close, it causes problems. The key to avoiding problem wildlife encounters is keeping wildlife from getting too close in the first place.
Wild animals are driven to search for food and can become a nuisance and cause damage when they get into garbage (an easy food source). Garbage that is not securely stored provides an easy meal for scavengers like bears, raccoons and skunks.
The initial landscaping established often sets the tone for other plantings in the community. Planting native flowers, shrubs and trees, as well as controlling noxious weeds and creating wetlands can benefit wildlife.
Every year in Colorado, we have the joy of viewing many types of “backyard” birds at bird feeders. Many people don't realize that bird feeders (seed, suet and hummingbird) are also very attractive to bears. Once bears discover bird feeders, they will visit every home in the area looking for more. To avoid causing problems in your neighborhood, remove all bird feeders from April-November when bears are most active. Use these ideas to attract birds year-round:
Fencing is an important tool to either keep wildlife off your property, or encourage wildlife use and movement through your property. Colorado’s Fencing with Wildlife in Mind brochure provides all of the information you need to cater to your property and its needs.
Fencing six-feet and taller will keep most wild animals like deer, skunks and coyotes out of your property. It may be necessary to bury an additional barrier 18-24 inches under the ground around the perimeter. Fencing will not keep raccoons, or bears off of your property, especially if there is a food attractant.
If your property is large or you have livestock, you may want to allow animals to move freely, while keeping your livestock secured. Check out our fencing with wildlife in mind brochure for examples of wildlife friendly fencing options.
Find out moreWildlife in Your Home
Colorado Parks and Wildlife will not remove nuisance animals from your property. Pest control, or wildlife removal companies can be hired to remove the animal for you. Your local wildlife office can provide free, or cheap alternatives to help encourage the animals to find a new home.
If you need to handle a wild animal, take precautions such as throwing a thick towel over the animal and wearing heavy , long-sleeved gloves. Wash your hands thoroughly when you are done.
Dealing with Bats
Bats play an important role in our ecosystems eating insects and pollinating plants.
Dealing with Bears
Bears spend their day searching for any possible food sources. Once they successfully get food in a location, they will come back again hoping for another food reward.
Coyotes have adjusted very well to more residential environments, and can thrive in remote areas or near people. Coyotes in populated areas are often less fearful of people and may attack pets or people if approached too closely. To prevent potential conflicts with coyotes, consider:
Dealing with Deer
It is illegal to provide food for deer in Colorado. Attracting deer can concentrate them in small spaces, making disease easier to spread, attracting predators, and causing them to lose their natural fear of people.
A mountain lion's main food source is deer, but they will eat small mammals such as rabbits, squirrels, and even cats and dogs.
Dealing with Rabbits
Rabbits can cause significant damage to landscapes and gardens.
Dealing with Raccoons
Raccoons can get into your attic, crawlspace, or chimney, as well as under your shed, garage, or deck. They may also go after chickens. In the spring, raccoon mothers are looking for a place to have their babies and can make their way onto your property to do so.
Dealing with Foxes
It is common for red foxes to den under sheds, garages and house foundations. They may also go after chickens.
Dealing with Skunks
It is common for skunks to make their dens under sheds, garages and house foundations. They will also go after chickens.
Dealing with Squirrels
Squirrels can get into your attic, chimney or vehicle and chew on wires causing major damage. They can also cause damage to your landscapes or garden.
Dealing with Woodpeckers
Woodpeckers can cause property damage by drilling holes in wood siding and eaves. Generally, woodpeckers cause the most damage in the spring during their mating season. Where woodpeckers are persistent, use two or more visual frightening devices simultaneously. Woodpeckers are federally protected, so you cannot do anything that injures or kills them.
Landowners and Farmers
The Game Damage Program is a Colorado Parks and Wildlife prevention and reimbursement program that compensates ranchers, farmers and landowners for damage caused by big game animals and wolves.