Living with Wildlife
Keeping Pets Safe Near Wildlife
Although it is fairly rare, pets can sometimes look like prey to predators, especially if pets are roaming free where predators hunt for food. Whether at night or during daytime hours, all pets should be under control — preferably leashed, kenneled or kept indoors. Pets that are outside a secure location at night, or not accompanied by humans, may appear more like prey.
Don't Put Pets at Risk
When wild predators are hunting for food, free-roaming pets can look like prey. Since wildlife have also been known to enter yards, pets may not be safe even inside a fenced area.
Specifically, dogs may be seen as predators, and wildlife can be extremely protective if they have young with them or nearby. Moose, elk and deer can cause serious injuries to pets and humans in these cases. Because CPW officers will act to protect the public first in any wildlife conflict, this can lead to the death of a big game animal.
Cats
Cats can be easy prey for mountain lions, coyotes and foxes, and can attract wildlife to areas where they may not be welcome. Keep cats indoors whenever possible.
Dogs
Moose, deer, elk, coyotes and other wildlife may see dogs as predators and can be dangerous if your dog gets too close. Dogs can also attract wildlife into enclosed yards — a fence alone may not prevent wildlife from entering a yard.
Pets
How to Protect Your Pets
To help prevent unwanted pet-wildlife conflicts, it’s best to take preventative measures to protect your pets.
- Always supervise your pet when outside, especially at dawn or dusk.
- Don't feed pets outside or leave pet food outside.
- Never leave cats or dogs unattended outside after dark.
- If you must leave your pet outside, secure it in a fully enclosed kennel.
- Keep your dog in a fenced yard — but be aware a fence alone may not prevent wildlife from visiting.
- Keep your pets up to date on vaccinations.
- Respect other people's space and keep dogs under control.
- Keep dogs on a short (six-foot) leash when walking on trails or visiting a state park. Leashes help protect dogs and their owners from wildlife attacks.
- Do not allow dogs to play or interact with wildlife.
- Be extra cautious at dawn and dusk when most wildlife are active.
- When recreating in the backcountry consider leaving the dog at home.
- If your dog is loose, keep it in visual/auditory range and vocalize frequently. Dog whistles may be used.
- Dogs should be trained not to chase or approach wildlife and to return on commands.
- Place a bell or a beeping collar on wider ranging dogs.
- Know before you go: Understand what wildlife may be in the area you’d like to recreate in.
- Avoid known or potential den sites and thick vegetation.
- Pick up small pets if confronted by wildlife.
- Do what you can to discourage an animal’s approach — yell, stomp your feet, throw small rocks or sticks at it.
Pets
Diseases
Pets can be exposed to diseases when interacting with wildlife. It's important to know the symptoms of these diseases to protect your pets and yourself.