Respect Wildlife

Following these guidelines helps to create a safer environment for both humans and wildlife, promoting coexistence.

• Drive cautiously – Wildlife often cross roads, especially at dawn and dusk. There is an increased likelihood of encountering wildlife crossing roads while traveling on the Forest. Driving cautiously helps reduce vehicle collisions with animals, protecting both wildlife and drivers.
• Give them space – Observing and photographing wildlife from a safe distance minimizes stress on animals and reduces the risk of aggressive encounters. It also allows animals to act naturally, which is vital for their well-being. Remember that these wild animals are sharing their homes with us and do not behave like domesticated pets.
• Do not feed – Feeding wildlife can lead to dependence on humans for food, disrupt their natural foraging behaviors, and increase their risk of disease. It may also attract them to human-populated areas, leading to conflicts that are often detrimental to the animal.
• Store food properly – Secure storage of food prevents animals from accessing it, which reduces the likelihood of attracting wildlife to campsites or homes. Properly storing food and other attractive items to wildlife can directly save lives and is a responsibility that we all take when recreating in the homes of wild animals. This practice helps maintain a safe distance between humans, our pets, and wildlife.
• Maintain control of dogs – Dogs not under human control can disturb wildlife, provoke aggressive behavior, and even chase or harm animals. Keeping dogs under control ensures their safety and that of local wildlife. Pet waste can also be harmful to wildlife because it can contaminate water sources and spread diseases. Please properly collect and dispose of pet waste to ensure the safety of wildlife and others.
• Be aware – In many locations, rules have been formulated specifically to protect sensitive wildlife. For example, white-nose syndrome is a lethal disease found in bat populations that is caused by a fungus. The fungus is commonly spread on clothing and equipment from explorers traveling cave to cave without properly cleaning their gear. Therefore, many National Forests require all cave-goers to sanitize their clothing and equipment between cave visits, or have denied access to caves altogether for the protection of bats. It is each person’s responsibility to be aware of established restrictions for the specific areas and activities they are engaging in to ensure the safety of themselves and the animals that live there.

Additional tips: https://www.colorado.com/articles/keep-wildlife-wild