>> Living with Wildlife (07/2007)

Behind the Badge: A Message from Sheriff Ted Mink

As residents of Jefferson County, we are fortunate to have the best of both worlds: here in our backyard, the confluence of a world-class city and the storied Rocky Mountains.  One of the best things about Jefferson County is this blend of suburban amenities and scenic open spaces. 

Some of the side effects of living in this area are regular encounters with wildlife.  Most wildlife encounters are pleasant and uneventful, but problems do occur.  Sheriff's deputies regularly respond to calls regarding wildlife.  While they happen most frequently in the Jeffco mountain communities, such as Evergreen and Conifer, they can occur anywhere in the county's 773 square miles.

Here are some reminders about living with wildlife and how to keep yourself, your family, and Jeffco's wild animals safe.

Bears
In 2006, a Conifer resident returned home with groceries, set them on the table and went into another room, leaving the door open momentarily.  She returned to the kitchen to find a bear eating her store-bought strawberries.  Bears and other animals have also been known to enter homes to eat from the dog's bowl.  Keep your doors shut, and be mindful that pet doors work for many animals -- not just Max.  In late summer, bears will start a feeding frenzy to bulk up for their winter sleep: at that point everything is fair game, including bird feeders, trash, and any food left in an open garage. 

To help prevent unwanted encounters with bears near your home, keep garbage out of reach of bears' paws and noses.  Use bear-proof trash containers and empty them regularly.  Do not feed your pets outside or store pet food outside.  Never feed any wild animal; feeding smaller mammals may attract bears sooner or later.

Bears are at home in Jeffco's mountains, but they occasionally travel closer to the cities.  In July 2007, a bear made itself at home in a tree at a Westminster golf course.  Bears have also been spotted in Ken Caryl in recent years. 

Mountain Lions
Mountain lions are very much at home in the foothills in Jefferson County.  Living in mountain lion habitat means that it's especially important to supervise your children while they're playing outside.  Also, prevent your pets from roaming free, and bring them inside at night.  Familiarize yourself with what to do if you encounter a lion face-to-face.  If you spot a mountain lion while hiking or biking in Jefferson County Open Space parks, report the sighting to Open Space.  If you come across a dead deer while hiking, get away -- it could be a mountain lion's cache.

Rattlesnakes
There is always a chance for rattlesnake encounters in the flatlands and foothills.  Be alert and listen for the telltale buzzing sound of the rattle, especially if you wander off a trail.  If you encounter a rattlesnake in your yard, leave it alone.  Our animal control Web page has a list of resources to help with snakes and other visitors: http://animalcontrol.jeffco.us.

On the Road
If you hit an animal with your vehicle, please call the Sheriff's Office at 303-277-0211.  If the animal remains in the road and poses a danger to other motorists, call 911.  While there are many people in the community who are capable of properly putting down an injured and suffering animal, state law requires that deputies undertake this task.  Providing the animal's location will enable a deputy to quickly and humanely handle the situation, and render the roadway safe again.

For More from the Wildlife Experts
Division of Wildlife: http://wildlife.state.co.us
CSU Cooperative Extension: http://www.coopext.colostate.edu/wildlife/


Behind the Badge Archive

Last Modified: May 20, 2009 11:27 AM