Insiders' Guide® to Colorado Springs by Linda Duval & MARTY BANKS

Author:Linda Duval & MARTY BANKS
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780762769360
Publisher: Insider's Guide
Published: 2014-12-16T00:00:00+00:00

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Wildlife Among Us

The Pikes Peak region lies at the base of the famous mountain, along the foothills of the Rockies. It stands to reason that wildlife lives up there. It also follows that they don’t know where the city limits lie and tend to wander down to check things out.

It’s not uncommon to see foxes, coyotes, raccoons, skunks, rabbits, squirrels, and other small animals. It’s also not uncommon to lose your summer garden to a doe and her fawns, or to drive around a curve and see a six-point buck standing in the middle of the road. Bears also like the forage they find in neighborhood trash cans and birdfeeders. A few years ago, there even was a moose that made his home in Monument Valley Park for several months!

When visiting the area, be aware that wildlife is everywhere. On a day hike in any city or county park, visitors have encountered everything from ground squirrels to mountain lions. At some of the state parks, you’re likely to see black bear or elk. Here are some tips for dealing with the critters:

• Never approach wildlife. They’re called that for a reason. Their behavior is unpredictable.

• Never try to feed wildlife. They can’t always differentiate the food from the source, and it makes them too tame and more likely to interact with humans. When that happens, they often must be euthanized.

• Don’t leave food or trash where they can get into it. If you live here, don’t put out your trash until the morning of pick up, and put caps on chimneys to keep raccoons and squirrels out.

• If you encounter a bear or mountain lion, stay calm. (Yes, we know, easier said than done.) Chances are they don’t want to be near you any more than you want to be near them. Stop, then back away slowly. Open your jacket or wave your arms to appear larger than you are. Don’t turn and run—that makes you prey. Carry a sturdy walking stick and use if necessary. They often retreat when they encounter resistance.

• A word about rattlesnakes: Yes, they live here. Wear boots when hiking and carry a walking stick. Be alert. They like to sun themselves on rocks. If you get bitten, do not use a tourniquet or try to suck the poison out of the wound. Get your cell phone and call a doctor or hospital emergency room and then, if you can, drive there!

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