COLORADO – There’s never a bad time to remind people about wildlife safety, especially when it’s the peak of Colorado’s summer tourist season. If you see an animal out in the wild, you’ll probably want to get some good pictures, but this in mind: if you’re close enough for a selfie, you’re probably too close!
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) wants you to know that getting too close to wildlife can both cause injury to people and to the animals. Sadly, even if an animal is provoked by a person, an animal attack on a human will result in the wild animal being euthanized. The rule of thumb, in which any animal should be able to be completed covered with your thumb on a fully outstretched arm, is a good rule to follow. And remember, big game animals, like moose, need more space!
CPW Tips for Observing Wildlife Safely
- Observe animals from a safe distance
- Move slowly and casually, not directly at wildlife
- Never chase or harass wildlife.
- Leave your pets at home.
- Use the animals’ behavior as a guide.
- Respect others who are viewing the same animals.
- Do not feed wild mammals.
- Respect private property.
- Animals at rest need to remain at rest.
- Avoid animals that behave unexpectedly or aggressively.
