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. 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 minimize bear-human conflict, and keep bears wild:
Keep garbage in a well-secured location.Put out garbage on the morning of pickup.Clean garbage cans regularly; the scent of ammonia can deter bears.Use a bear-resistant trashcan or dumpster.Place items that might become smelly into the freezer until trash day if no secure receptacle is available.Keep garage doors closed and lock doors when away from home and at night.Keep lower windows of residences closed when home is vacant.Clean after picnics in yards or on decks.Talk to neighbors and kids about being bear-aware.Don’t feed wildlife.Don’t leave pet food or stock feed outside.Don’t hang bird feeders from April 15 to Nov. 15. They are a major source of conflict. 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 and don’t allow fruit to rot on the ground.Secure compost piles from odor.Keep small livestock in covered enclosures, don’t store food outside, keep enclosures clean and hang ammonia-soaked rags to minimize odors.Install electric fencing around beehives, where allowed.Don’t keep food in vehicles.Clean campsites and don’t take food into tents.Hang food at least 100 feet away from camp.More information: www.cpw.state.co.us.