HomeMy WebLinkAboutJaiv App-WILDLIFE SAFETY Handout
BEWARE OF WILDLIFE
WILDLIFE SAFETY
Drought and a late-spring freeze have combined to leave wild animals with little natural forage in portions of Colorado.
We urge you to avoid leaving food, trash, bird feeders, livestock feed, pet food or other attractants outside your RV and
accessible to wild animal, such as bears, cougar, etc., and other wildlife.
Black bears will be actively feeding from now through early October as they attempt to put on enough fat to get them
through hibernation. Black bears eat for up to 20 hours a day during this period and can consume up to 20,000 calories in
a single day.
THINGS TO REMEMBER
RV Owners
--Do not feed or toss food to wild animals.
--Keep your area clean.
--Store food and garbage properly at all times. .
--Burn all grease off grills.
--Wipe table and clean eating area thoroughly.
--Store your food safely.
--Dispose of garbage properly, including fruit rinds and cores, aluminum foil.
--Never leave food or coolers unattended.
--Don’t leave out plastic wrap and bags that have stored food.
--If a wild animal, such as wild animal, cougar, etc. approaches your site, pack up your food and trash. If necessary,
attempt to scare the animal away with loud shouts, or throw rocks and sticks at it. If the wild animal, such as wild animal,
cougar, etc. is persistent, move away slowly to a secure area.
Recreational Hikers:
--Hiking at dawn or dusk may increase your chances of meeting a wild animal, such as a bear, cougar, etc..
--Use extra caution in places where hearing or visibility is limited, such as brushy areas, near streams, where trails round
a bend and on windy days.
--Reduce your chances of surprising a wild animal, such as bear, cougar, etc. on the trail by making noise, talking or
singing.
--Make sure children are close to you or within your sight at all times.
--Leave your dog at home or have it on a leash.
If You Encounter A Wild Animal
--There are no definite rules about what to do if you meet a wild animal. In almost all cases, the animal will detect you first
and leave the area.
Wild animal attacks are rare compared to the number of close encounters. If you do meet a wild animal, before it has had
time leave an area, here are some suggestions:
--Stay calm. If you see an animal, such as bear, cougar, etc. and it has not seen you, calmly leave the
area. As you move away, make noise to let the wild animal discover your presence.
--Stop. Back away slowly while facing it. Avoid direct eye contact, as it may perceive this as a threat.
--Give the animal plenty of room to escape. Animals rarely attack people unless they feel threatened or provoked.
--Do not run. If on a trail, step off the trail on the downhill side and slowly leave the area. Do not run or make any sudden
movements. Running is likely to prompt the animal to give chase, and you cannot outrun a bear or a cougar.
--Speak softly. This may reassure the wild animal. that you mean it no harm. Try not to show fear.
--Fight back. If an animal attacks you, fight back. Animals have been driven away when people have fought back with
rocks, sticks, binoculars and even their bare hands.