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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHARMONY RIDGE, 2ND FILING - FDP - 49-95G - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 2 - WILDLIFE DOCUMENTSIHI [H] � [El LEI EI --M Because indoor cats may slip out an open door, it's important to keep in mind the other essentials of responsible pet ownership: Spay or neuter your kitten as early as eight weeks of age; Provide routine veterinary care, including annual check-ups and vaccinations; Put an identification tag on your cat's collar— it's her ticket home if she slips out; and Where such programs exist, license your cat. For the Sake of All Cats... Support local cat control and protection plans; Support legislation requiring cat owners to reg- ister their cats and prevenr them from roaminz Do not feed unowned or free -ranging cars with- out making a commitment to giving or finding them a permanent indoor home; and Take cats for whom you cannot care to your local animal shelter to give them the best possible chance of adoption into loving, lifelong homes. More for the Birds Support efforts in your community to protect wildlife and their habitats. All wild animals have three basic needs: food, water and plants that provide escape cover and nesting sites. If you feed birds in your yard, locate feeders away from windows and brushy vegeta- tion that permits neighborhood cars to hide. Deep your feeders clean and well stocked_ Where possble, establish a brush pile for wildlife away from feeders. Avoid using pesticides. CATS INDOORS! THE CAMPAIGN Foil SAFER BIRDS & CATS Cars cannot be blamed for killing wildlife. It is the responsibility of cat owners to ensure that their cats are safely indoors. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), American Humane Association (AHA), and other groups are working with American Bird Conservancy (ABC) on "Cats Indoors! The Campaign for Safer Birds and Cats." Through this campaign, we will educate and encourage cat owners to protect cats, birds and other wildlife by keeping cats indoors. EEI EJ [H] oQM M[o _ c EEI CD M_ M F__1 EEI M Regardless of the status of the species, each wild animal suffers when captured by a cat. By letting our cats out- side, we — perhaps without intent — place a higher value on the at dom of our pet than on the life of that cardinal, that chickadee or that chipmunk she kills. "is it Nature's Way for Cats to Kill Birds?" A descendant of the wily cat of Africa and southwest- ern Asia, the domestic cat instinctively hunts and captures prey. However, wildlife in the Western Hemisphere did not evolve in the presence of a small; abundant predator like the domestic cat, and thus did not develop defenses agr,.inst them. Cats were intro- duced in North America by European immigrants only a few hundred years ago. While cats may instinctively hunt wildlife, it is clear that they are not adapted to life in the wild as are our native wild cars like the bobcat and mountain lion. Outdoor domestic cat populations are most com- monly found in and around human settlements; most do not survive without direct or indirect support by humans. They are in this way very different from native predators. Truths about Cats and Birds We all know that cats don't have nine lives, but there are three other myths about cat predation we'd like to dispel. 1. "Belled" cats do kill wildlife. Cats with bells on their collars can learn to stalk their prey silently. Even if they don't, wild animals do not necessarily associate the ringing of a bell with danger. 2. Even well-fed cats kill wildlife. The urge to hunt„ and the urge to eat are controlled by different por- tions of the cat's brain. 3. Once caught by a cat, few birds survive, even if they appear to have escaped. Infection from the cat's teeth or claws or the stress of capture usually results in death. Tips for Happy Indoor Cats Kittens who are kept indoors usually show no desire to venture outside as cats. With knowledge, patience, and time, we can change most cats who roam out- doors into happy indoor pets. These tips will help. Provide a safe, outside enclosure, such as a screened porch. Provide window shelves to permit cats to moni- tor the outdoors from the safety of the indoors. Play with your cat each day. Paper bags and card- board boxes are sources of unending delight when you are away. Plant kitty grass (available from pet supply stores) in indoor pots so your cat can graze. Clean litter boxes regularly. 3 i - I EEI ED =J ED EE1 EEI M 0��EEI �DaEEI CEI Q Each year, millions of cats are run over by cars, mauled by dogs, poisoned and lost. Hundreds of mil- lions of birds and small mammals are killed annually by Free -roaming cats. The suffering of both cats and birds is all the more tragic because it is so unnecessary. Today's cat owners face an important decision: "Should I keep my cat indoors?" For your cat's sake, and that of the birds and ocher wildlife in your neigh- borhood, the answer to that question must be "yes!" Keeping Cats Indoors 15 for the Cat3... The average life expectancy of an outdoor cat is just two to five years, while an indoor cat may survive for 17 or more years. Cats who roam are constantly in danger... Cars - Millions of cats are run over by cars each year. Seeking warmth, outdoor cats crawl into car engines and are killed or maimed when the car is restarted. Motorists risk accidents in attempting to avoid hitting free -roaming cats. Animal Attacks - Torn ears, scratched eyes, abscesses, internal injuries, diseases, and some- times death result from encounters with dogs, other cats, and wild animals like raccoons, coy- otes and foxes. Human Cruelty - Each year, animal shelters and veterinarians treat cats who have been shot, stabbed, or set on fire. Unsupervised cats may also be captured and sold to research laboratories or used as "bait" to train fighting dogs. Overpopulation - Unaltered free -roaming cats are the single most important cause of cat over- population. As a result, millions of cats for whom there are no homes must be euchanized each year. Disease - Cats allowed outdoors risk exposure to fatal diseases, including rabies, feline leukemia, distemper, and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Vaccines are not 100 percent effective; there is no vaccine at this time for FIV. Parasites - Cats allowed outdoors are more likely to contract debilitating parasites such as worms, ticks, mites, and fleas. Poisons and Traps - Exposure to pesticides, rodencicides and antifreeze poisons and kills thousands of outdoor cars each year. Cats are maimed and killed in traps set for furbearing animals. ...And for the Burls Today, birds and other wildlife face more obstacles to their survival than ever before. Wildlife habitats are destroyed and degraded every day, and many species are declining as a result. Even the impacts of natural predators on their prey is changing based on how humans are altering natural environments. And the presence of an unnatural predator — the domestic cat — is having an impact as well. Scientists estimate that cats kill hundreds of millions of birds each year and three times as many small mammals. Most birds killed by cats are members of relatively common species, like the Northern Cardinal, Song Sparrow and Dark -eyed Junco; others are rare and endangered — the California Least Tern, H1 CSC]r-M-1 LEI �r___1 LEI The HSUS is the nation's largest animal protection organization with more than 5.7 million members and constituents. AHA, founded in 1877, is a nation- al network of individuals and organizations working to protect animals and children. ABC is dedicated to the conservation of wild birds and their habitats through partnerships throughout the Americas. We invite other groups and individuals to join us. For more information, contact: Cats Indoors! The Campaign for Safer Birds and Cats American Bird Conservancy Phone:202-452-1535 Fax:202-452-1534 E-Mail: abc@abcbirds.org Web site: www.abcbirds.org F The Humane Society of the United States j 2100 L Streq W Washington, DC 20037 Phone:202-452-1100 American Humane Association 63 Inverness Drive East Englewood, CO 80112 Phone:303-792-9900 Cats Indoors! The Campaign for Safer Birds and Cats is made possible in pan by the generous support of the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, Endangered Species . Recovery Council, The Panaphil Foundation and Frances V. R. Seebe Trust. Bird Images by Alan Hopkins. AMERICAN 4' AMERICAN ASSOCIATION NE �CONSERVABNCYY IRO - Keeping Cats Indoors Isn't Just For The Birds! i CATS INDOORSf THE CAMPAIGN FOB SAFE% Bins & CATs BLACK BEARS AT A GLANCE Black bears are the most common and generally the - smallest of North American Others include the grizzly/brown and the polar bear. Today, only th"lack bear is known to exist in Colorado. Although we do not know exactly how many black bears live in Colorado, population estimates range from g,0W to 12,W0 bears. A black bear may five to be 20 years in the wild, although very few do, and up to 25-30 years in captivity. Black bears are very agile, an nan in bursts up to 35 mph and an not up or down hills quickly and easily. Their short, curved claws help them to climb trees. Black bears are strong swimmers. Threats to black bears include accidents, disease, motor vehicles and starvation. Natural enemies include other bears and mountain limn. Humans are responsible for the deaths of most black bears: lass of habitat feeding, illegal killing, destruction of bears that pose a threat to people or livestock and property, and hunting. Prior to 1935, there was unlimited hunting of black bears. The designation of bears as game animals in 1935 provided for their management Current regulations protect cubs and females with cubs. - PHYSICAL APPEARANCE • ll sw amencanus, meaning "American black bear' is the bears scientific name. Despite the common name, black bear, they aren't always black They may be honeycolored. blond, brown or black. Thev may have a tan muzzle or a white spot on that chest. hlmiColorado black bears aresome shade of brown, and they sometimes' appear cumamoncolored, leading wine people to mistake them for grizzlybears. • A black bears body appears heavy and is supported by short, powerful legs. The lughestpoint of a back bear is the middle of its back. There is no prominent shoulder hump as ti,ere is on the large, grizzly bear. _ • Black bears vary in size and weight with males generally being larger than females. Adult males average 275 pounds while the adult female may average 175 pounds. Depending on the season food supply and gender, they may weigh anywhere from 125 to 450 pounds. Black bears measure about 3 feet high when on all A feet or about 5 feet all standing upright. SIGNS AND SOUNDS • Black bear tracks arevery distinctive -the fund footprint resembles that of a human AB bearshave 5 toes, with the front foot short and about 4-3 inches wide. The - hind foot is long and narrow, measuring about 7 • • - inches. _Claw marks my or may not be visible. - - - ' 0^0000 • Bears use tra9 just as people do since it's C. 3 easier to travel on a trail than through . FRONT underbrush. Being awareof tracks, droppings . 0-1 a O and other tear signs (claw marks on trees rotten logs Q ripped apart and hair on tee bark from rubbing), will allow you to determine better the presence of bears. • B's easy to recognize a back bear's sizable droppings of plant leaves, partly digested berries, seeds or animal hair. • Black bears are solitary. They don't associate with other bears except saws with cubs or during breeding. Bearsmay HIND gather at a place with abundant food— for feeding. • Bears are intelligent and curious. They an see colors, - torm and movement..Although their vision is good, they, _ generafly rely on their acute senses of smell and hearing to locate food and wain them of danger. - • Adult black bears make a variety of sounds. However, the most commonly heard sounds are woofing and jaw - popping. The young ones whimper or bawl. - HABITAT • Black bean have long been viewed as forest dwelling animals. However, anunbroken expanse of fmest doesn't provide enough food for black bean. They need berry patches and stream bottoms to satisfy their appetites for plants and insects. In Colorado, the largeit black bear populations are found in areas dominated by Cambers oak and aspen near open areas of chokecherry and serviceberry bushes. • Every beaz has a home range where it finds ad it _ _ needs. It oavek ro . diiierent areas of its home range as snow recedes, pane span:; ` and berries ripen. • In general, back :Jbeirs may range from 10 to squaremiles. Adult es occuor the largest , while females usually lish their home range to their mothers. HUNTING AND FEEDING HABITS • Bears maybe active anytime, day or night, most often during mooting and evening twilight. When not feeding or looking for food, they rest in day beds — next to a log in a windfall,dri dense bosh or N the depression left by an uprooted tree. • Black bears are omnivores— they eat both plants and animals. About 90% of a beats diet ts made up of nutritious plants, while about 10% of its diet consists of animals. . • Bears will eat broad -leafed flowering plants, berries, nuts, insects, carrion (dead animal carcasses) and grasses. They opportunely eat anything edible! • In late summer, black bears are trying to fatten up for winter hibemation. During this period, thev may be actively - feeding for up to 20 hours per day and may ingest 20.000 calories daily. BEARS AND WINTER • Since little food is available during winter, bean would have difficulty surviving if they remained active, so they hibernate. hi Colorado. female bean enter their dens in lace October and males in eariv November. - - - • Black bean commonly den in rock caverns, excavated holes beneath shrubs or trees, in hollow logs or rotten trees and in bosh thickets. Rock averns are.the most common kind of den in western Colorado. • A hibernating bears hear rate and breathing slow, and, its body temperature drops a - 12° F. During this time, bears do not eat, drunk or eliminate body waste. They maintain their -energy levels and water balance by using stored - fat • When bearsleavre TA the der„ snaw may still be on the ground, but greenup has usually sec begun at lower elevations. Many bean will move to lower areas in sprung. Also, it's a couple of weeks before the begs digestive system becomes active. During this eritinl period, the bear must rely on the remaining stored fat MATING AND BREEDING • in Colorado, male been are capable of breeding at 3 years of age. A few female bears may have mbs at 3 or q years, although 5 wars is more common - •_ Bears mate in early summer, but development of the fertilized egg is delayed until November. If the female enters the den in poor condition, it is believed she will reabsorb the fertilized egg rather than continue development of a fetus. • The female bear generally does not breed again while her cubs are with her. - BIRTH TO MATURITY Auer a'_-3 month gestation period, Ito 5 (usually 2) tiny cubs are boot in midwinter. They are blind, toothless and covered with very tine hair at birth. • Nurtured with their mother's rich milk, they grow from less than I pound at birth to an average of 10-26 pounds by the time they all emerge from the den in mid -May. - - - Care of the cubs rests solely with the female. The cubs watch their mother and learn by mimicking her. Most black bear cubs sav with their mother for 1 year. The young may climb trees for protection or when they are threatened. • By the time the black bear cubs' second spring arrives, they have become more seB- f��.r.-"., reliant. Linermates may smytogether through the summer and perhaps even :-- den together. Cubs will usually not reunite with their mother. Some cabs separate from their mother in their first Y autumn and become independent WHEN BLACK BEARS - MEET PEOPLE - Where bears and people share habitat, following these simple precautions will reduce you risk of conflicts. Lam as much as you can about hears and their habitat. When you are in bear country, know what areas a bear may use during the different seasons. Watch for bear sign (tracks and. droppings). Be aware ofyousurroundings andtry to determine if bean may be present. WHAT TO DO IF YOU LIVE IN BEAR COUNTRY If you choose to gve, or have a summer home, in bear country, make sure you don't contribute to resident bears becoming 'garbage bears. Most conflicts between bears and people are linked to careless handling of food or garbage. Don't let your carelessness cause the unnecessary death of a bear. Learn to live responsibly with wildlife! - Black bears eat almost anything. They will at human food, garbage, hummingbird food, and pet and livestock food when available. Once a bear has found the easily accessible, consistent food source that human settlements can offer, it may overcome its wariness of people and visit regularly, increasing the chance of a human/bear encounter. You and your neighbors an make a difference. Your actions may prevent the unnecessary death of a bear! • - Make you property safe by keeping garbage out of reach and smell of bears. Use bear -proof trash containers. Contact Division of Wildlife for designs. Be sure garbage cans are emptied regularly. Periodically dean garbage cans to reduce residual ode— using hot water and chlorine bleach or by burning. Store trash in a dosed garage or shed. Use a chair link enclwure with a top 6 a garage or shed is not available. • If you have pets, do not storetheirfood or feed them outside. Clean your BBQ grill of grease and -store inside. Hang bid seat. suet and hummingbird feeders on a wire between trees instead of on your deck or porch. Bring all bid feeders i t at night Do not pis fruit, melon rinds and other tasty items in mulch or compost piles. • As you might guess, beehives attract bears. You can protect your bees. honey and equipment if you surround I' hires with fences designed to keep bears out. Contact Division of Wildlife for designs, • Most beats sighted in residential areas within bear habitat do not cause any damage. If a bear doesn't find abundant food, it will move on DON? FEED ANY WILDLIFE! tw WHAT TO DO IF YOU MEET_A BLACK BEAR There are no definite rules about what to do if you meet a bear. In almost all cases, the bear will detect you lust and will leave the area. Bear attach are more compared to the number of close encounters. However, if-youdomeet a bear Wore it hashed time to leave an area, here are some suggestions. Remember. Every situation is different with respect to the bear, the remain, the people and their activity. STAY CALM. R you see a bear and it hasn't seen you, calmly leave the area. As you move away, talk aloud to let the bear discover vow presence. - - -- STOP. Back away slowly while facing the bear. Avoid dire-[ eye contact as bears may perceive this as a threat Give the bear plenty of room to escape. Wild bears rarely attack people unless they feel threatened or provoked. • fion s trail, step off the trail on the downhill side and slowly leave the area. Don't run or make any sudden movements. Running is likely to prompt the bear to give dose and you can't outnm a bear. - . SPEAR: SOFTLY. Thu may massue the bear that no harm is meant to it. Try not to show feu. • Coming between a female and her cubs can be dangerous. li a cub u nearby, try to move away from it. Be alert —other cubs may be in the area. • Beans use all their senses to try m identify what you are. Remember. Theo eyesight is goal and their sense of smell is acute. If a bear stands upright or moves closer, it may be trying to detect smells in the air. This isn't a sign of aggression. Once it identifies you, it may leave the area or try to intimidate you by charging to within a few feet before it withdraws. . • FIGHT BACK if black bear attacks you. Black bears have been driven away when people have fought back with rocks, sticks, binocular and even their bare hands. WHO DO YOU CALL? The Division of Wildlife is responsible for maaagm& conserving and protecting wildlife. Your concerns about wildlife are our concerns as well If you have a potentially gfe-threatening situation with a black bear or if an injury occurs, please contact theDivision of Wildlife, Monday through Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM, as listed below. After hours, contact the Colorado State Patrol or you local Sheriffs Department. To report property damage, please contact the Division during normal Business hours. Your information is very valuable to us.- - Central Regiorul Office 600 Broadway _--Denver,CO80?lii - - (303)291- or297-1192 Northwest Regional Office Northeast Regional Office 711 Independent Ave. 317 W. Prospect Rd. Grand Junction, C081505 Fort Collins, CO 80526 (303) 248-7175 - (303) 484-2836 Southwest Regfunal Office Southeast Regional Office 2300 S. Townsend Ave. 2126 N. Weber St. Montrose,C081401 Colorado Springs, CO BD907 (303) 249-3431 (719) a73-'_'W5 TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BLACK BEARS For the most part, people and wildlife can coexist. Living with wildlife is an enjoyable pan of being a resident of Colorado. The key to coexisting is to respect wildlife and its habitat You can learn more about black bears by reading any of the following books. Bears —Their Biology and Management. 1992, Proceedings from the Intemationaf Conference on Bear Research and Management (also 1970,1974,1977,1980,1983,1986,1989). Black Bear: The Spirit of the Wilderness, 1981_by Barbara Ford, Houghton Mif h Boston, MA. Black Bears of West -Central CafowW. 1991, by Tom Beck, Colo. Division of Wildlife, Technical Publication #39. - Bmr A!tarks:Thefr Causes and Awidance, 1985, by Stephen Herrero, Nick Lvons Books/Wbohater Press, New York. NY. The Wonder Sens: The Everywhere Bear, A Story and Activities by Sandra Chisholm Robinson, Denver Museum of Natural Hiswry,CO. - Artwork by Linnea France.° Printed on mcvded paper. /e-y Share this with a friend or neighbor. LIVING .WITH WILDLIFE 11 V BEAR COUNTRY Colorado has been home to bears since their earliest ancestors crossed the Bering land Bridge. These large, powerful animals play an important role in the ecosystem. Today, increasing numbers of people routinely five and play in bear country. For many people, seeing a bear is rare and the highlight of an outdoor experience. Learning about bears and being aware of their habits will help you fully appreciate these unique animals and the habitat in which they Eve. a WHAT WE- 1 :SNOW ABOUT MOUNTAIN -. LIONS The mountain lion commonly known as — cougar, panther or puma, exists only in the Western —= _ Hemisphere and is one of .. North America's biggest cats. in Colorado, population estimates range from t -t ,, V 1500 to 3,000 mountain Bons. A lions natural life span is probably about 12 years in the -wild and up to 25 years in captivity. Lions are very powerful and usually kill large animals, such as deer and elk. Natural enemies include other large predators such as bears, lions and wolves.- They - also fall victim to accidents, disease, road hazards and people. - - The status of the mountain lion in Colorado evolved from that of varmint, on which a $50 bounty was offered from 1929, to designation as a big game species in 1%3. The change in legal status reflected growing public appreciation and concern for sound mountain Hun management. PHYSICAL APPEARANCE o The lion's scientific name, Felis concolor, means "cat of one color." Mountain lions in this area are usually tawny to light -cinnamon in color with black -tipped ears and tail. - o Mountain lions vary in size and weight, with males being larger than females. Adult males may be more than 8 feet in length and weigh an average of 150 pounds. Adult females may be up to 7 feet long and weigh an average of 90 pounds. - - o Mountain lions are easily distinguished from other wild cat species in Colorado. Lions are much larger than lynx or bobcats and have a long tad, which may measure one-third of their total length. - TRACKS ( FRONT. o in an unhurried walk, lions usually 1�! place the hind paw intheimprint made by the front paw. They have 4 Y toes with 3 distinct lobes present at the base of the pad. Generally claw marks are not visible since _ their claws are retractable. Fop o Generally, the mountain lion is a solitary - - animal. Adult males almost always. travel - alone. If tracks indicate two or more lions - traveling together, it's probably a female with -kittens. — HABITAT o The mountain lion's habitat ranges from desert, chaparral and baciland breaks to subalpine - mountains and tropical rain forests o In Colorado, lions are found in areas of pinyon pine, juniper, mountain mahogany, rJ ponderosa pine and oak brush. Lions generally will _ s - _ be most abundant in areas with plentiful deer. o Individual lions range in t _ areas varying in size from 10 to 370 square miles. Females_ with young kittens use the smallest areas; adult males occupy the largest areas. o Size of the home range depends on the terrain and how much food is available- Boundaries of male home range are marked tiith piles of dirt and twigs, called scrapes, which signal to other lions that this area is occupied. HUNTING AND FEEDING HABITS o Lions are most active from dusk to dawn, although they travel and hunt in daylight. Lions prefer to eat deer; however, they also kill elk, porcupines, small mammals, livestock and a variety of domestic animals such as pets. _ o Mountain lions prefer to kill their own prey, ' y Like most cats, they take their prey by ambush = rather than by a long pursuit. After spotting " prey, a lion stalks using available cover, then attacks with a rush, often from behind. - o Lions usually kill with a powerful bite below the base of the skull, breaking the neck Lions drag the carcass to a sheltered spot beneath a tree or overhang to feed on it. They cover the carcass with dirt, leaves or snow and may return to feed on it over the course of a few days. Generally, they move the carcass and re-cover it - after each feeding. - - o Lions feeding on a kill can be dangerous to people. Lions that have been fed by people O I or seem "tame' may become aggressive - unexpectedly. x MATING AND BREEDING o Female lions generally reproduce when they are about 2-1/ year; old. _ o Courtship begins when a roaming_ — female in heat makes frequentt sounds and leaves a scent that After attracts males. locating the female, the male §u accompanies her for just a few days when mating occurs. r r. o-Breedingcantakeplace but .y."t. throughout the year most females give birthbetween April and July, following a 3-month gestation period. -f -- 4-. .;., BIRTH TO MATURITY o The female gives birth to an average of 2 to 3 young, called kittens. She usually chooses a secluded spot beneath an uprooted tree or a rocky depression. Care of the kittens rests solely with the female. She defends them vigorously against male lions, which may kill them. o Newborn kittens are about 1 foot long and weigh about 1 pound. They are covered with blackish -brown spots and have dark rings around their short tails. The young stir only to nurse until they are about 2 weeks old, when their eyes open and they become alert and playful. Weaning occurs at about-2 months. o Kittens learn hunting skills through play and exploration, and by watching their mother. When the young are about 6 weeks old, she begins taking them to her kills to feed. o As the kittens - mature, their spots fade. At 6 months, they weigh over 30 pounds and are becoming capable hunters. Kittens remain with.their mother for ;..,,,another year, - 1, improvine their hunt > ..: 7 -, WHEN MOUNTAIN LIONS MEET PEOPLE C,enerallv, lions are calm, quiet and elusive- They tend to five in remote, primitivecountry. Lions are most mmmonly found in areas with plentiful deer and adequate cover. Such conditions exist in mountain subdivisions, urban fringes and open spaces. Con- sequently, the number of mountain fion/human interactions has increased. This increase is likely due to a variety of reasons: more people moving into lion - habitat, increase in deer populations and density, pro- sumed increase in lion numbers and expanded range, more people using hiking and running trails in lion habitat and a greater awareness of the presence of lions. WHAT TO DO IF YOU LIVE IN LION COUNTRY We can live with these incredibly efficient predators if wejespect mountain lions and thew habitat. To reduce ahes . f problems with mountain lions on or near yuurrpjoperty, we urge you to follow these simple precautions. - o Make lots of noise ff you come and go during the - times mountain Bons are most active- dusk to dawn. o Install outside lighting. Light areas where you walk so you could see a Bon it one were present - o Closely supervise children whenever they play outdoors. Make sure children are inside before dusk and not outside before dawn. Talk with children about Bons and teach them what to do if they - meet one. o Landscape or remove vegetation to eliminate hiding places for Bons, especially around children's play areas. Make it difficult for lions to approach unseen. o Planting non-native shrubs and plants that deer often prefer to eat encourages wildlife to come onto your property. Predators follow prey. DON'T FEED ANY WILDLIFE' o Keep your pet under control. Roaming pets are easy prey and an atoad Buns. Bring pets in at night. If _ you leave your pet outside, keep it in a kennel with a secure top. Don t feed pets outside; this an attract raccoons and other animals that are eaten by lions. Store all garbage securely. o Place livestock in enclosed sheds or barns at night Close doors to all outbuildings since inquisitive Bons may go inside for a look o Encourage your neighbors to follow these simple precautions. Prevention is far better than a possible - lion confrontation. _ WHAT TO-DO IF YOU MEET A MOUNTAIN LION - People rarely get more than a brief glimpse of a mont�mn Icon in the wild. Lion attacks on people are tare; tblewer than a dozen fatalities in North Ren a in more than 100 years. Most,of the attacks wereVyoung Bons,perhaps forced out to hunt on their own and not yet living in established areas. Young Ifom may key in on easy prey, like pets and .. small children. _No studies ttave been done to determine what to do if - you meet a Bon But based on observations by people who have come upon lions, some patterns of behavior - - and response are beginning to emerge. With this in mind, the following suggestions may be helpful. - Remember. Every situation is different with respect to the Bon, the terrain, the people and their activity. o When you walk or hike in mountain lion country, go in groups and make plenty of noise to reduce your chances of surprising a Bon A sturdy walking stick is a good idea; it an be used to ward off a lion. Make sure chisdten are close to you and within your sight at all times. Talk with children about Bons and teach them what to do if they meet one. o Do not approach a lion, especially one that is feeding or with kittens. %lost mountain Bons will try to avoid a confrontation Give them a way to escape. o STAY CALM when you come upon a lion. Talk calady yet firmly to it Move slowly. - o STOP. Back away slowly only if you can do so safely. Running may stimulate a Eon's instinct to chase and attack Face the Bon and stand upright o DO ALL YOU CAN TO APPEAR LARGER Raise your arms. Open your jacket if you're wearing one. _ If you have small children with you, protect them by picking them up so they won't panic and run. -_, o If the Bon behaves aggressively, throw stones, branches or whatever you an get your hands on - without crouching down or turning your back. Wave your arms slowly and speak firmly. What you want to do is convince the lion ,you are not prey and that you may in fad be a. danger to the lion o FIGHT BACK if a lion attacks you. Lions have been driven away by prey that fights back. People have fought back with rocks, sticks, caps or jackets, garden tools and their barehands successfully. Remain r ,. standing or try to get back up! WHO DO YOU CALL? Colorado law states the Division of Wildlife is respon- sible for managing, conserving and protecting most wildlife_ Your concerns about wildlife are ours too. ff you have an encounter with a lion or an attack occurs, please immediately contact the Colorado - Division of Wildlife, Monday through Friday, BA%I - 5PM, as listed below. After hours, contact the Colorado State Patrol or your local Sheriffs Department To report a sighting please contact the Division during normal business hours. Your information m very valuable to us. Central Regional Office 6060 Broadway - y Denver. CO 80216 .acytr (303) 291-7227 or 297-1192 No Regional Office Northeast Regional Office 711 Independent Avenue 317 West Prospect Grand Junction, CO 81505 _ Fort Collins, CO 80526 (303) 248-7175 ..(303)a84-206 Southwest Regional Office Southeast Regional Office 23W South Townsend Avenue 2126 North Weber Montrose, CO 81401 Colo. Springs, CO 80907 (303)249-3431 (719)473-2945 TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MOUNTAIN LIONS For the most part, people and wildlife can coexist Coexisting with wildlife is an enjoyable part of living in Colorado. The key it to respect the wildness of wildlife. You can learn more about lions by reading any of the following books.. America's Great Cats, 1986, by Gary Turbak and Alan Carey, Northland Press, Flagstaff, AZ Soul Among Lions: The Cougar as Peaceful Adversary, 1989, by Harley G. Shaw, Johnson Books, Boulder, CO The Puma: Legendary Lion of the Americas,1997, by J. B. Tinsley, Texas Westem Press, El Paso, TX The Wonder Series: Mountain Lion, A Story and -Activities by Sandra Chisholm Robinson, Denver M,rseum of Natural History, CO Artwork, Cover by Dale Thompson, Courtesy of Southwest Parks and Monument Association. Other Bon drawings by Limwa France. Printed on recycled paper. Share this with a friend or neighbor. - LIV-LNG ---WITH- LLD-LIFE LION COUNTRY Much of Colorado, including the Front Range, is prime mountain lion country. This simple fact is a surprise to many residents and visitors. These large, powerful predators have always lived here, preying on plentiful deer and playing an important role in the ecosystem. You may live in or recreate in lion country. Like any wildlife, mountain Bons can be dangerous. With a better understanding of mountain lions and their habitat, we can coexist with these magnificent animals. co��Oo e �NI yOV Qy 0F'� COYOTE CAPSULE The name "Coyote" (Canis latrans ) is derived from the Aztec word "coyotl." They are found throughout the United States (except Hawau) and in most of Canada. Prior to 1900, coyotes were restricted to areas west of the Mississippi in the United States and west of Ontari.. Lake Nipigon in Canada. The covote is a member of the canid family of which includes both wolves and domestic dogs. The coyote's success is attributed to the decline of wolf populations and the coyote's own ability to adapt. Coyotes have adjusted very well to human - disturbed environments, and now thrive in close proximity to people. Coyotes are opportunistic hunters. They prey on small mammals, domestic pets, livestock and domestic fowl but will readily eat carrion and plants. A coyote will adjust its diet depending on the food that is available. In Colorado, coyotes are classified as a game species and may be taken year-round with either small game or forbearer license. landowners may kill coyotes, without a license on their land if the coyotes threaten their property or livestock. PHYSICAL APPEARANCE - Coyotes range in color from near black to off- w bite. Coyotes in the southwest deserts are the smallest and lightest in color, whereas those in the northern forests are the largest and darkest Colorado royotes are usually rust colored with a white or gray throat and belly. - Like other predators, coyotes vary in size. The males are larger than the females. The average size of a coyote is 37 inches long and 18 inches high. Their weight varies from 20 to 50 pounds. - The coyote is distinguished by its long narrow snout, pointed ears and general dog -like appearance. TELL -TALE SIGNS - Coyote tracks are very similar to other members of the dog family. Imprints show four toes and toe nails; front tracks are larger than the l rear. The host tracks are 3 long and 2 inches wide. Rear tracks are ? inches long and 1 I /? inches wide. - Theirscat is variable in she and consistency, depending on diet. It often contains hair, berries, bone fragments and seeds. You are likely to find droppings along trails, atop knolls, near boulders or prominent tufts of grass. - Coyotes maybe the most vocal of all land mammals. Although most people ®� are familiar with the coyote's howl, the if animal actually has a language which incorporates a variety sounds. They a have long clear calls in addition to barks and yips. Their vocalizations are designed to bring individuals together or let other coyotes know thew location. - Coyotes have expanded their range over the last century. They are found in all habitats, ranging from grasslands and deserts to urban areas and mountains. - Coyotes are common in areas where rabbits, mice and gophers live. These may include lush rangelands or overgrazed pastures. - In order to provide shelter for their pups, coyotes den in a wide variety of places, including brush - covered slopes, steep banks, rock ledges, thickets hollow logs. They will also dig their own burrows. Dens of other animals are frequently used. BEHAVIOR - Coyotes may travel alone, in pairs or small groups. One factor that seems to affect coyote sociability is prey size. In populations where the major prey items are small rodents, coyotes tend to be solitary. In populations where large animals like deer, are available, large groups of coyotes are formed. Coyotes tend to be more social during winter, when carrion is a very important food source. - Females generally have a home range of a few square miles; males wander over larger areas. - They are generally nocturnal and sometimes diurnal. When coyotes are in close association with man with no disturbance (trapping or hunting), they are less timid and are frequently seen during the day. - Coyotes have excellent senses of hearing and smell. Coyotes are very clever predators. They have been known to kill porcupines without being quilled. They will also use teamwork to bring down prey. MATING AND BREEDING - Coyotes typically pair for life. If one dies, the other will look for another mate. - They are capable and will breed with domestic dogs. - Breeding occurs between January and March. Males are capable of breeding when they are less than one year old. - Pups are born from April to mid -May. The fitter size is determined by local population density and food availability. Mom pups are born when there are low - covote densities and when food sources are abundant. - The female prepares the den. The male assists in the raising of the young and initially supplies most of the food. The pups are born blind and hairless. They begin eating meat at 8 weeks of age and start hunting between 8-12 weeks. - The pups disperse between November and March. The family may hunt together temporarily in mid -winter but do not form true packs. - People should never approach pups or attempt to take them.from a denning area. Even if you see pups unattended, thew parents are usually just a short distance away. Adults rarely abandon their young. THE CUNNING COYOTE Perhaps no other wild animal has endured the wrath of humans while evoking such genuine heartfelt admiration than the coyote. Some people curse their existence; Native Americans consider them to be the smartest animal on earth ("God's dog") and many urbanites revel in opportunities to see and hear these vocal predators. Coyotes are extremely adaptable animals and rapidly adjust to changing conditions. In the past, wildlife managers have found that coyote populations can actually expand rather than decline in response to eradication attempts. As a result, a variety of lethal and non -lethal control methods are used to manage populations and control damage. Found in most of North America, covotes are most abundant on the open prairie and deserts. They are comfortable in the country, mountains or in cities, as long as there is appropriate shelter and food. As a result, people must be aware of their presence and take precautions to avoid conflict with them. With a better understanding of coyotes and their habitat, humans can coexist with these adaptable and cunning animals. WHEN COYOTES MEET PEOPLE Coyotes' behavior varies depending upon its environment. In the wild where they are actively hunted and trapped, coyotes are generally elusive. Near cities or in areas where hunting and trapping is not allowed, coyotes may be aggressive. In urban settings, they can lose their fear of people and may threaten domestic pets. Although attacks on -humans are extremely rare, there have been cases where coyotes have attacked young children. WHAT TO DO IF YOU LIVE IN COYOTE COUNTRY • If you live in areas where coyotes have been seen, PROTECT YOUR PETS! Covotes will attack and kill cats and dogs. Do not allow.your pets to roam, especially at night. Make sure your yard is appropriately fenced. 4 suggest at least a six- foot fence or better yet, keep ,your dog in a completely enclosed kennel. • Do not allow dogs to run with coyotes. Although it appears they are "playing,' coyotes can tun on dogs to defend their territory. • Uon't leave pet rood outside. This invites wildlife into vour yard and problems may result. • Protect livestock, especially chickens, young cakes and sheep. Contact your local extension office for appropriate methods to prevent depredation. • Keep your garbage in a storage facility or in a tightly sealed container. Clean garbage cans regularly to reduce residual odors by using hot water and chlorine bleach. WHO DO YOU CALL? The Division of Wildlife is responsible for managing, conserving and protecting wildlife. Your concerns about wildlife. are our concerns as well. If you have questions or problems related to coyotes, please contact the Division of Wadlife, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Regional Office Denver Headquarters 6060 Broadway 6060 Broadway Denver, C080216 Denver, CO 80216 (303)291-MV (303)197-1192 Northwest Regional Office Northeast Regional Office 771 Independent Ave. 317 W. Prospect Rd. Grand Junction, CO 81505 Fort Collins, CO 80526 (303) 249-7175 (3031484-2936 Southwest Regional Office Southeast Regional Office 2300 S. Townsend Ave. 2126 N. Weber St. blontrose,C081401 Colorado Springs, CO80907 (303) 249-N31 (719) 473-2945 SOURCES, REFERENCES AND ADDITIONAL READING Vie Clever Covote, 1951, by S.P. Young and H.H.T. Jackson, Mammalian Species rr79, The Stackpole Company, Pennsylvania. Coyotes: Biology, Beiwtaor and Management, 1978, M. Bekoff, Academic Press, New York WHAT TO DO IF YOU MEET wells Advaces nttheSSttudyoofBBeehCoyotes,avioorr,16.Bekoffand M.0 A COYOTE Coyote Space Ilse in Relation of Prey.*wulance, 1991, LS. Mills and • Coyotes provide an enjoyable wildlife viewing F.F. Knowlton, Canadian Journal of Zoology, 69. experience. Keep your distance and do not approach Changes in Body Size.issocuted faith Range Expansion in the Coyotes the animals. Enjoy the opportunity to view wildlife. (Canis lutrans), 1991, J.M. Thurber and R.O. Peterson. Journal of Mammalogy, 7L • Keep your pets on a leash when walking them. .4 Coyote Reader, 1993, W. Bright. California Press, Berkeley. If a covote approaches you or your pet, you can Colamdo Wildlife, 1990, J. Rennlcke, Falcon Press, Montana. use an animal repellent, like pepper spray, to ward Coyote, M. Bekoff, Wad Mammals of North America: Biology, off the covote. Or, throw rocks or slicks at the covote Management and Economics, 447, Johns Hopkins. University to scare it away Pros, Baltimore. • Use aloud, authoritative voice to frighten the Fork by Ur nea Fronceb Printed on receded paper. animal. L I V I N G WITH WILDLIFE IN COYOTE COUNTRY a Squirrels ■ Do not feed squirrels. Place bird feeders on a tall pipe so squirrels cannot reach them. ■ Screen attic vents on the inside with hardware cloth to keep squirrels out. Trim branches hanging over buildings. ■ If a squirrel is loose in the house, block off the room it's in, provide one way out (open a window or a door) and watch until you see the squirrel leave. ■ If you discover a squirrel in a fireplace, close the damper immediately. Then, open the doors or screen slightly and use a hand-held fishing net to capture the squirrel. Cover the net opening with a board and take the animal outside for release. ■ If a squirrel is in a stove fan, disassemble the fan and, as you remove it, hold a fishing net under the hole. Then follow the previous procedure for taking the animal outside. When handling any wild animal, use caution and appropriate protection, such as heavy gloves. ■ Prevent squirrels from climbing trees by plac- ing 18-inch metal cylinders on tree trunks. Woodpeckers In Colorado, the common flicker is the most abundant woodpecker species. It can be found drumming on wood siding, eaves and shingles of homes. These birds are terri- torial, drumming marks their territories and attracts mates. Woodpeckers also drill holes for nesting and roosting. These birds are protected by law. There are a number of different techniques you can use to discourage their activities. ■ Provide an alternative drumming site. Nail two boards together at just one end (producing resonation) and hang on a secure surface. if ■ Place lightweight plastic mesh netting at least 3 inches from affected wood areas. ■ Nail plywood over the excavated area. ■ Hang aluminum foil strips, colored plastic streamers, hawk silhouettes or mirrors near the affected wood. ■ Treat wood with sticky/tacky repellent. However, be aware these repellents may stain house siding. ■ Use noise -making tactics, such as clapping your hands or banging garbage can lids together. ■ Spray the birds gently with water from a garden hose when they start to drill or drum. ■ Eliminate any ledges or cracks on which the woodpecker is able to stand while drumming. ■ Don't feed birds. If woodpeckers continue to be a problem, a spe- cial permit can be obtained from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to destroy the birds. Wandering Pets Spell Trouble Dogs are a two -fold problem for wildlife. When left to roam, they form packs and harass or kill wildlife. This is especially true in mountain and foothill subdivisions. A pack of dogs — well fed or not — often kill or mutilate deer and domestic live- stock. Also, dogs and cats left unattended — even in a a fenced yard — serve as potential food for coyotes and mountain lions. Be aware of the potential predators in your area. Keeping a dog inside a fenced yard won't necessari- ly prevent an attack. It's best to keep your dog in a covered kennel or inside your home. In more urban areas, keeping your dog in a fenced yard will usual- ly prevent problems. Respect other people's space and keep dogs under control. In Colorado, law enforcement officers are authorized to destroy dogs seen chasing wildlife and fine the pet owners. Cats become part of the food chain when allowed to roam. They are easy prey for mountain lions, coyotes and foxes. The presence of free -roaming cats can cause predators to remain in areas where they may not be welcome. Also, cats prey on small, ground -dwelling wildlife and birds. Keep cats under control, especially during the spring bird -nesting season. The Young and The Restless During spring and summer, people often encounter young animals in urban areas, the moun- tains and the plains. In all cases, the rule of thumb is: LEAVE THEM ALONE! Deer, elk and other mammals often leave their young while feeding, relying on the young animals' natural camouflage to protect them. Don't assume that just because you don't see the parents, the young have been abandoned. In cases where newly hatched birds have fallen from their nest, return them to the nest if you can do so safely. Or, place them on a high branch to keep them away from pets. Keep in mind that when young birds begin to fly, they often spend time on the ground before they per- fect their flying skills. If this appears to be the case, leave them alone and let them learn.. There are very few cases of "abandoned" wildlife. If you are absolutely certain the parent animal is dead (hit by a car, for example), mark the location on a map or measure the mileage from a landmark and report it to the Division of Wildlife. c Deer ■ If you see a deer -crossing sign, slow down and drive cautiously for the length of the crossing — especially at night. Remember, if you see one deer on the road, at least one more may be nearby. IN When deer appear in or around the city, it's usually best to leave them alone. In most situations, they will move to new areas. Deer and other large animals are usually injured or killed when people try to capture them in developed areas. In fact, tran- quilizing deer, elk and other large animals is done only as a last resort. ■ In areas where deer are common, shrub and tree damage may be a problem. Commercial deer repellents or mixtures containing eggs have proven successful in warding off deer. However, these solu- tions may need to be reapplied after rain or snow. You can also keep deer from eating flowers and shrubs by putting wire cylinders and fences around the plants. Contact your local CSU Cooperative Extension office to learn what plants deer avoid (phone numbers are listed on the back panel). Also, consider planting native flowers and shrubs. ® It is illegal to feed deer in Colorado. People may be fined $50 for doing so. Prairie Dogs Y New commercial and residential developments often displace prairie dogs, causing them to wander into areas that are inappro- priate habitat. If a prairie'; dog gets into a window well, it usually can be removed with little effort First, try to get the animal zao a` ti to leave on its own by propping a board in the T 2 window well to provide an i avenue of escape. If that is unsuccessful, lift the ani- mal with a fishing net or a g shovel and release it. will usually make its way back to the colony from which it came. If a prairie`s dog appears sick, don't approach it or try to move it. Contact a local animal control officer or pest control company to remove sick prairie dogs. Cover window wells with steel grates or plastic covers to keep wildlife from becoming entrapped. For the safety of pets and wildlife, keep pets away while the prairie dog is in the yard to avoid encounters. ■ Sometimes relocation sites may be available for nuisance prairie dogs. In most cases, the animals are destroyed if they continue to be a problem. Contact a pest control company to learn about appropriate control measures. Raccoons ■ Screen chimneys and repair attic holes to prevent entry. ■ Remove overhang- ing branches to cut off easy access. You can also place an 18-inch cylinder of sheet metal around the trunks at least 3 feet above the ground. ■ Make sure garbage and trash containers have tight -fitting lids and are clasped or tied to keep raccoons from tipping them over. Never feed raccoons. Snakes In Colorado, nearly all species of snakes are not only harmless but beneficial to humans because of their appetites for insects and rodents. Along the Front Range, however, there are occasionally prob- lems with prairie rattlesnakes. Rattlesnakes have elliptical pupils, Distinctive, heat -sensing pits on each side of their face and rattles on their tail. If you live where prairie rattlesnakes are found or if you have an aversion to snakes, some simple habi- tat modification around your property will usually solve the problem. ■ Keep firewood in a covered box. ■ Do not landscape with expanses of large rocks, especially in open sunny areas. IS Mow weeds and vegetation, and remove rocks, boards and debris. ■ Reduce the rodent population on your property to reduce a major food source for snakes. ■ Seal entrances to crawl spaces and basements. If you encounter a prairie or massasauga rat- tlesnake (the only poisonous snakes in Colorado), simply back off. The snake senses your presence by your body heat and movement. In Colorado, rat- tlesnakes may be legally killed if they pose a threat. All other snakes are classified as nongame wildlife and are protected by law. Skunks ■ Keep them out of house foundations and basements ?� by burying wire mesh 18 T,y � inches underground around these structures or by using concrete or sheet metal to seal likely access points. 4 ■ Sometimes you can a; drive skunks away by putting a nylon stocking full of. mothballs or ammonia - soaked towels under the house (be sure to attach a -4 long string so you can remove them later). Cover the ground at the entrance with soft soil or flour. When'i you see tracks leaving the 1 w 3 entrance, close the entrance arc Q, , nt, with hardware cloth (check after 10 p.m. or first thing in the morning). If no more tracks appear near the inside of the entrance, permanently seal the hole. Caution: Don't use this method if children are playing in the area. ■ If you decide to trap a skunk, you must destroy the animal because state health laws do not permit relocation of skunks. olorado is known for its abundance and variety of wildlife. People come from all over the world to enjoy the wildlife, from the prairie chicken of the plains to the bighorn sheep of the Rockies. To the surprise of some people, wildlife can even be found in and around the urban areas of Colorado's fast-growing Front Range. The presence of wildlife in the cities is usually a delight to Colorado residents. The close proximity, however, of wildlife sometimes causes problems. Most people agree that a porcupine in an apple tree, a family of skunks under the front porch or a squirrel in the fireplace can be unsettling. Many people encounter these situations; yet few know what to do about them. Avoiding wildlife conflicts As cities along the Front Range grow and sub- divisions impact wildlife habitat, wild animals are often displaced. Some species continue to live in open space areas, parrs, undeveloped parcels of >�. land, river bottoms and on or near bodies of water. Others have adapted well to urban living; skunks and raccoons, in particular, seem to thrive in and near cities. In most situations, people and wildlife can co- exist. The key is to respect the wildness of wildlife. Wildlife is just that — wild. Most dangerous and potentially harmful encounters occur because people fail to leave the animals alone. Wildlife should not be harassed, captured, domesticated or — in most cases — fed. Intentional or inadvertent feeding is the major cause of most wildlife problems. It is illegal to feed deer, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, antelope and elk in Colorado. An Ounce of Prevention The key to avoiding problem wildlife encounters is keeping unwanted wildlife out of homes, build- ings and yards. Here are some tips: ■ Do not feed wildlife. Feeding songbirds is okay, but be aware it may attract other animals. Place bird feeders where they are not accessible to other wildlife species. Wild animals are capable of finding plenty of food on their own. ■ Cover window wells with commercially avail- able grates or bubbles, or make a cover yourself using quarter -inch hardware cloth or chicken wire. ■ Close holes around and under the foundation of your home so that animals will not be tempted to homestead. Bury wire mesh I to 2 feet deep in places where animals might gain access. ■ Don't give wildlife the opportunity to get into your garbage. Store it in metal or plastic containers with tight -fitting lids. Keep the cans in a garage or shed, and pultrash out only when it's scheduled to be picked up. ■ Keep pet food inside. ■ If birds are flying into windows, mark them with strips of white tape or with raptor silhouettes. ■ Fence gardens and cover fruit trees with com- mercially available netting to protect your harvest. ■ Screen fireplace chimneys and furnace, attic and dryer vents, and keep dampers closed to avoid "drop -in" guests. Chimney tops should be screened from February to September to prevent birds and animals from nesting inside. To prevent fire and safety hazards, check with a knowledgeable source before attempting this. ■ Seal all cracks and holes larger than a one - quarter inch in diameter to keep out rats, mice, bats and snakes. Bats ■ Exclusion is the best policy in preventing bats from gaining entrance into buildings. It isn't always easy, though, because of their size. Bats can squeeze through cracks as narrow as an inch wide. Some of their preferred entrances are in older frame structures where boards are loose or have shrunk. They may also enter houses through loose vents, eaves, spaces around water pipes, electrical outlets, corrugated roofing, doors or windows. ■ Caulking cracks is most effective if applied during dry weather when cracks are the widest. Weatherstripping — which seals spaces around do, and windows — is also effective in repairing crack ■ If you're certain the noises in your attic are being made by bats, wait for them to leave, then , the entrances before they return. Unfortunately, you'll need to do the work at night when bats der for their nightly feeding forays. It's also wise to c: this in the fall after the young have learned to fly. Or, wait until winter when many bats have migrat south. Never handle a bat that appears sick or wounded. ■ Bats can be helpful in your neighborhood because they consume a lot of insects and usually not pose a health threat to humans. Geese ■ Geese are attracted to areas with open water and large expanses of grass, such as golf courses, parks and large apartment complexes. The problei is most noticeable during winter when large num- bers of migrating geese join year-round residents. ■ Do not feed geese. Feeding compounds the overpopulation problem and invites disease. ■ Fence your yard. Eliminate some of the large expanses of lawn by planting shrubs and other visual barriers. ■ During fall and winter, noise -making tactics may discourage these birds from staying,on your property. Also, remove old nests during this time stop geese from returning in spring. ■ The Division of Wildlife helps control the population by rounding up molting geese in sumn and transporting them to states that hope to incre:: their goose population. In residential areas, home owners' associations must request trapping. Conn. the DOW to have geese removed. Wildlife Laws You Should Know Wild animals are fascinating creatures to observe. While they are intriguing to some and hopelessly cute to others, they do not make good pets. Wild animals are difficult to keep alive in captivity. Moreover, they usually cannot fend for themselves if they are confined for any length of time and later released. For these reasons, it is illegal in Colorado to possess most species of native wildlife. Despite the fact that wildlife is best left alone, there are instances when people pick up injured or orphaned wildlife. If this does occur, call the Division of Wildlife. It is illegal to attempt to reha- bilitate injured or orphaned wildlife without state and federal permits, and the Division of Wildlife will put you in touch with a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in your area. Litter and Wildlife Countless birds, especially ducks and geese, are injured or killed in Colorado every year because of thoughtless people who litter. Discarded plastic six- pack holders, fishing hooks and fishing line are all potentially lethal to wildlife. Plastic six-pack holders can get wrapped around the necks of birds. Because these birds can still swim and fly (making them almost impossible to catch), they often die of starvation. Fishing equipment, too, is a fatal form of litter. Hooks often cause serious injuries to the eyes and beaks of birds. Fishing line can get tangled around the birds' limbs and cut off circulation. To ensure that you aren't responsible for these types of injuries, please pack your trash and dispose of it properly. Helpful Numbers If you have a wildlife problem, call the nearest Division of Wildlife office during regular business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Colorado State University Extension offices can assist in solving residential wildlife problems. Call (303) 271-6620 (Denver) or (970) 491-7093 (Fort Collins) for help, or your local extension office. For emergencies after hours or on weekends, call the State Patrol headquarters at (303) 239-4501. Or, You may want to contact your local law enforce- ment agency. Pest control agencies that specialize in wildlife can assist with many problems for a fee. Look in the yellow pages under pest control to find a com- pany to help you. Colorado Division of Wildlife Offices Division of Wildlife Headquarters: (303) 297-1192 Northeast Regional Service Center. (303) 291-7230 6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216 West Regional Service Center Ft. Collins Service Center 711Independent Ave. 317 W.Prospect Rd. Grand Junction, CO 81505 Fort Collins, CO 80526 (970)255-6100 (970)472-4300 Southwest Region Service Southeast Service Center Center 4255 Sinton Rd. 151 E. 16th St. Colorado Springs, 80907 Durango, CO 81301 (719).227-5200 (970)247-0855 CSU Cooperative Extension 15200 W. 6th Ave. Golden, CO 80401 (303) 271-6620 (Denver) (970) 491-7093 (Fort Collins) Colo. Dept. of Agriculture Rodent Control Section 700 Kipling, Room 1100 Lakewood, CO 80215 (303)239-4157 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service DFC Building 16 Denver, CO 80225 (303)236-7904 0 Too CLOSE' FOR COMFORT How to avoid conflicts with wildlife in the city CowMoo OF COLORADO DIVISION OF WILDLIFE 6060 Broadway. Denver. Cn angia The above information will also be attached to the Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions for Harmony Ridge Filing 2 and included in the recorded documents (Site Plan) for development approval. Harmony Ridge Filing 2 Potential Conflicts: Residents and Wildlife The Harmony Ridge Filing 2 property is located adjacent to the Cathy Fromrrie Prairie Natural Area. Along with the benefit of being close to nature, residents will need to be aware of conflicts associated with such proximity to native wildlife. The key to coexistence with nearby wildlife is for residents to recognize and respect the wildness of wildlife. Potential conflicts may include: • House cats that wander outside may be prey to larger animals such as coyotes and foxes. • Rattlesnakes inhabit the prairie, and are poisonous. • Prairie dog colonies are common in the adjacent prairie. If a sick prairie dog wanders onto private property, it should be left alone, and local animal control or a pest control company should be contacted. • The project is also close to the foothills and to habitats of larger wildlife including coyotes, mountain lions and black bears. Specific individuals may be aggressive, especially with children. Wildlife, and especially these larger animals, should never be fed, and pet food should not be kept outside. • Standing water in natural drainage ways and wetlands is a natural phenomenon, and related mosquito populations are inevitable. No mosquito eradication program will be 100% effective. Precautions against bites are recommended to ward off mosquito -borne illnesses. Additional information on living with wildlife, problem -reducing tips, and wildlife benefits are identified in the attached copies of brochures from the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW). Updated or additional information is also available (as of Spring 2005) by contacting: • DOW Northwest Regional Office, 317 W Prospect Road, Fort Collins, CO 80526 • DOW Local — 970-484-2836; Denver — 303-297-1192; http//wiIdlife.state.co.us/index.asp • For life -threatening emergency response outside of normal business hours, call 911 • CSU Extension Service — 970-491-7093; http://www.coopext.colostate.edu/wildlife/ • Colorado Department of Agriculture, Rodent Control Division — 303-239-4157 • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service — 303-236-7904; http://mountain-prairie.fws.2ov/refuses/ • Larimer County Department of Health and Environment, 1525 Blue Spruce Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80524; 970-498-6700; http://www.co.]�irimer.co.us/health/