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Wildlife

Wildlife

When you live in a beautiful state like Colorado with mountains, trees, and rivers, you expect to see wildlife wandering around. Sometimes, the animals get too close for comfort.

If wildlife like bears and mountain lions are endangering public safety in a residential area or on your property, call 303-660-7500 or 9-1-1.

If the wildlife is a nuisance, such as snakes in your yard, squirrels in your attic, or racoons in your chimney, call a private animal control organization to remove the animal. Wildlife may also be handled by local wildlife rehabilitation groups.

Learn to live with wildlife:

  • During the fall, many wild animals will be preparing for winter. You may see them in your yard collecting and storing food or looking for a place to raise their young.
  • Enjoy wild animals from a distance. Never handle or attempt to pet or feed wildlife. Do not keep wildlife as pets.
  • Use secure-fitting lids on garbage cans that are outside. Keep your trashcans in a closed garage or shed.
  • Keep cats indoors and supervise domesticated pets when outside at all times.
  • Be sure your dogs and cats are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations.
  • Regularly clean outdoor grills.
  • If you find a young wild animal that appears to be orphaned, it is best to leave the animal alone, unless it is facing imminent danger. You should not touch or approach a wild animal, as the scent of a human will often deter a parent from returning or accepting their offspring. Even leaving a human scent leading to the animal can attract predators. It is best to wait from a safe distance and observe the animal until one of the parents returns, which could take several hours. If a parent does not return after several hours, keep an eye on the animal and contact a local wildlife rehabilitator.


For more information contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife at  303-291-7227 and Highlands Ranch Metro District at 303-791-2710.