Keeping Your Pets Safe Around Wildlife
Access to the great outdoors is one of the many reasons people choose to live in Colorado. Living in areas with abundant wildlife means more opportunities to connect with nature, but it also comes with an increased risk of encountering predators like mountain lions, bears, birds of prey and coyotes. While these animals generally do not seek out interaction or conflict with humans, our pets, such as dogs and cats, could be seen as threats or as potential prey to these types of predators. Since bears, mountain lions and coyotes have all been seen in neighborhoods within Boulder County and are found throughout our state, it is important to take steps to protect your pets not only when you are out exploring nature together, but also when you are at home and in your neighborhood:
Here are some general safety tips to keep in mind:
- Keep cats indoors. If your cat enjoys outdoor exploration, consider training them to walk on a leash with you, or build them an enclosed “catio.”
- Supervise pets whenever they are outside, especially at dusk or dawn. Remember that fences may not deter wildlife from entering your yard.
- Keep your animal on leash when walking or hiking together.
- If your dog is going to be off leash in an approved area, train them to stay within eyesight and ensure they have a strong recall behavior (i.e., coming when called). You should be able to quickly call your animal away from wildlife. Check out our Training Center’s classes and private training options if you need help teaching your dog to come when called.
- Keep your pets up to date on their vaccines.
- Do not store or leave pet food outside.
- Do not allow pets to interact or play with wildlife.
If you happen to encounter a bear, coyote or mountain lion:
- Stay calm.
- Do not turn your back or attempt to run away.
- Make yourself look as big as possible. Lift your jacket, arms, or other objects. Talk in a loud, calm voice.
- Pick up children or small animals that may be with you.
- Slowly back away.
- If the animal behaves aggressively, throw rocks, sticks or whatever you can pick up.
- If the animal attacks you, fight back. Use sticks, rocks, hiking poles, etc.
For more information about how to keep yourself and your pets safe around wildlife, check out the following links:
Safety Tips – Black Bears and Mountain Lions
Reporting sightings of bears or mountain lions can help future management of wildlife in Colorado. To report a sighting, visit the links below:
Boulder City Limits and Open Space & Mountain Parks (OSMP) – Report a wildlife sighting
