Real estate ownership in Colorado is booming, and while that’s great for the economy, it also means real estate development is encroaching on previously wild lands. While building disrupts animal habitat, many species are thriving in urban and suburban areas. In fact, the Colorado Wildlife Control Operators Association reports that the density of many species, including black bears, are higher inside city limits than outside of them. Peaceful co-existence is possible with urban wildlife, but that involves planning and behavioral changes on the human side of the equation.
Deer won’t intentionally harm a person, but thousands of people each year are hurt in deer/motor vehicle collisions and some will die from their injuries. When driving, keep an eye out for deer and remember that if you see one deer in the area, there are likely several – or many – more in the vicinity. Deer can wreak havoc on gardens and landscaping. Commercial deer repellents might work, but your best bet in maintaining an attractive yard in a deer-heavy area is by using native plants that deer don’t find appealing.
Prairie dogs serve as a major food source for carnivorous urban wildlife, including eagles and hawks. These small herbivores can cause a lot of damage in a yard as they devour plantings and dig burrows. Keep prairie dogs off your property by creating a visual barrier, so they can’t view your yard’s forage potential. Since prairie dogs are scared of humans – and domestic canines – spending a lot of time in your yard, especially with your dog, can prevent them from settling in.
Colorado is home to 25 snake species, and all but the Western rattlesnake are non-venomous. Even rattlers don’t tend toward human or pet aggression, but they will strike if startled. Wear boots and long pants when out hiking to protect yourself, and carry a long stick when in grassy areas so the snake knows you are approaching. Keep your dog on a leash at all times. Keep snakes out of your yard by removing brush piles and keeping grass cut low. What’s worse than a snake in the yard? A snake in the house – so seal any openings larger than ¼ inch into your basement with caulk or mortar.
Most urban wildlife is more of a nuisance than a danger. The exception are the larger predators, and even they are more likely to run from a human encounter than stand their ground. Still, no one wants a bear or mountain lion in their backyard, or in the case of the former, entering their house. Protecting your property from sizeable carnivores primarily involves reducing or eliminating potential food sources. Here’s how to deal with the common Colorado predators:
You can prevent nuisance wildlife encounters by taking a few crucial precautions. First, never leave food out for wildlife, and that includes bird feeders. While watching colorful songbirds at the bird feeder is a lovely diversion, you’re letting less desirable wildlife, including bears, know a food source is available. Feed pets inside, and never let cats and small dogs outdoors unattended. If you like to grill, clean up any food spills and drippings as soon as possible. Purchase bear-proof garbage cans and keep them in an enclosure or in the garage when they’re not at the curb. If you have a compost pile, enclose it. An open compost pile is the equivalent of a wildlife buffet.
Topics: Land Ownership in Colorado, feature
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