There’s nothing quite like an abandoned bag of dog poop on the side of beautiful hiking trail to quickly eject you out of the serene headspace of an outdoors experience. Anyone who frequents hiking trails has witnessed people with dogs bagging excrement after their pet relieves itself but it’s the follow up habit that Colorado Parks & Wildlife wants to discourage. Instead of packing it along with them or finding a proper disposal receptacle, dog owners often leave that bagged dog poop on the side of the trail to “pick up on the way back.”

While this may seem like a reasonable maneuver, it is actually highly discouraged for a variety of reasons. Obviously its gross and inconsiderate for other hikers on the trail to have to deal with the sights and smells of your pet’s waste, but there are also environmental impacts to consider, because dog owners may forget that bag and its contents can be disruptive if introduced into the surrounding ecosystems:

– Dog excrement introduces excessive amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus into ecosystems. This over-fertilization can disrupt the natural balance of low-nutrient environments (high nutrient levels from dog waste can persist in nature reserves for up to three years, even after dogs are banned from the area).

-When washed away by rain, dog feces can pollute waterways and the fecal coliform bacteria in dog poop can contaminate water sources.

-Dog feces can introduce harmful pathogenic microorganisms, including E. coli, salmonella, giardia, and hookworms which pose risks to wildlife, other dogs, and humans in natural areas.

These are just a sampling of the ill-effects of dog poop on ecosystems, but there are many more. Please be considerate and follow Colorado Parks & Wildlife directions on the only place where dog waste belongs, a trash can.

COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE MESSAGE ABOUT DOG POOP ON TRAILS:

Hiker who’s dog just pooped: “I’ll leave this here and pick it up on my way back”

Us with heavy sarcasm: “oh we bet”

Here’s a list of places where trash DOESN’T belong:

– on a trail

– in a (vault) toilet

– left at a campsite

– Left to pick it up on the way back

Places where trash belongs:

– a trash can

Colorado Parks & Wildlife Guide To Dog Etiquette:

Well-behaved Pets and Prepared Owners are Appreciated:

Our canine companions need their owners’ help to make sure they are following proper etiquette. Here are a few simple tips to ensure that everyone enjoys a pleasurable visit:

Keep your pet on a maximum 6-foot leash.

No matter how well-behaved you think your dog is, he or she may not be able to resist chasing after deer, squirrels, other dogs or even children.

Pets are not allowed on swim beaches or water-ski beaches.

To keep the beaches and water clean, pets are not allowed on CPW-managed beaches.

Properly dispose of pet waste.

Owners are responsible for proper removal and disposal of pet waste in a dumpster or trash receptacle. Always carry a few plastic bags with you.

Ensure that your pet’s vaccinations and license are up to date and that your pet is wearing i.d. tags.

Be proactive and vaccinate your pet: protect your pet from other pets or wildlife that may not be in good health. In addition to your pet’s i.d. tags, having a current photo on hand is also recommended.

Do not leave pet food outside at night or when not at your site.

Many critters are attracted to an easy meal (pet food can also be bear food). Please store pet food as if it where human food.

Be mindful of park quiet hours.

Park quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily, but no one enjoys a barking pet left unattended at a campsite, regardless of the hour.

Come prepared with food, water, and shelter.

Be sure to bring bedding or a plastic tarp for your pet, as well as food and plenty of drinking water. Pets that drink from streams or lakes may consume bacteria that could make them sick.

Be aware of potential wildlife conflicts.

Park staff can also provide tips to keep you and your pet safe and warn you of potential dangers such as mountain lions, moose, or rattlesnakes in the area.