You arrived in Boulder and have begun to settle into the semester! You are getting used to your class schedule and where things are on campus and around the city. You don’t think anything else could surprise you but then… you see a Black Bear! What do you do?!
It may be surprising, but Colorado wildlife can even be spotted in the urban areas of the Front Range, including Boulder! While you may be delighted to spot some animals, it is important to be aware of what to do when you see wild animals. It is possible for wildlife to coexist with the human residents of Boulder, as long as we respect the wildlife. Most of the potentially harmful or dangerous wildlife encounters occur due to a lack of knowledge about what to do in the situation or humans refusing to leave the animals alone.
Please keep in mind that in Colorado, it is illegal to feed deer, moose, black bears, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, pronghorn, and elk. Some animals you may encounter during your time in Boulder include black bears, mountain lions, deer, elk, moose, racoons, coyotes, porcupines, fox, marmots, skunks, and bats. A detailed list of wildlife and birds is available on the City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks webpage.
Top tips for avoiding potentially dangerous wildlife encounters:
- Do not feed wildlife! Wild animals are capable of finding plenty of food on their own, and they don’t need your leftover Cosmo’s Pizza.
- Don’t give wildlife the opportunity to get into your garbage. Make sure to properly close bear-safe bins. Be Bear Aware, and learn how to respond when you see a moose or a mountain lion.
- Keep a safe distance from animals.
- Observe animals from a distance THEY consider safe. You are probably too close if animals are looking at you with heads up and ears pointed toward you; are nervous; or are "jumpy" when you move or make a noise. If you see these signs, sit quietly, or move slowly away until the behavior changes. Allow them to keep you in view, don't sneak up and surprise them.
- If you ever have a bear or mountain lion in your yard or see one on campus and would like assistance, call the Boulder Police Department at 303-441-3333.
Take a look at the Colorado Parks & Wildlife webpage on Avoiding Animal Encounters for more information. You can also read about what exactly to do if you encounter specific animals by clicking the different animals listed on the left hand side of the Colorado Parks & Wildlife webpage. If you want to learn more about these animals and local programming, please view Boulder’s Urban Wildlife Policy and Programming page.