Safety

The Mountain Research Station is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all researchers, students, and visitors. Before your day visit or overnight stay, please review the safety information on this page.

You'll find guidance for responding to an emergency and preparing for environmental hazards such as altitude, lightning, and heat. Additional tips are given for wildlife hazards such as bears, moose, and ticks. 

Researchers should also complete the required tasks shown at Research > Researcher safety tasks, including the safety waiver, safety guidance materials, and preparation of a field safety plan for their team.

 

Emergencies

Planning is key to mitigating risks and for responding in the best way possible if an emergency occurs.

 

Is it an emergency?
Ask yourself these questions:

  Life or limb? 

Are you or an injured person in danger of losing a limb or life if not taken to definitive care in a timely manner?

  Missing person? 

Has the person been missing long enough to be a life threat? Include weather conditions (cold temps, high wind speeds) and time of day (will it be dark soon?) in your determination.

  Wildland or structural fire? 

Small fires may be controlled by fire extinguishers.  Large wildland or structural fires must be controlled by trained responders only.

  Suspicious person or activity? 

If you see something, say something.  

If your answer is YES 
Get to safety! Then call or text 911

If your answer is NO 

Stay safe. If your issue is urgent (but not an emergency) and you still need help,
 contact MRS staff (starting with the Station Manager). 

 

Call or text 911 
for all emergencies

Make sure you are in a safe place. Then tell the 911 dispatcher that you are at the CU Mountain Research Station, 818 County Road 116 Nederland, CO 80466

  If you're near a MRS land line phone, calling 911 from there is the most dependable.

  • Marr Lab, SW corner.
  • Dining Hall lobby.
  • Lodge front room.
  • C1 climate station
  • Tundra Lab

  Or try calling 911 on your cell phone, even if no cell service.

Your cell phone is often your best option even though cell service is often absent in the forest and spotty on Niwot Ridge. If your specific carrier lacks a signal (e.g., your phone shows "No Service"), your phone will automatically route your emergency call through any available network from another company.

  If your 911 cell call fails, your phone might switch to an emergency SOS via satellite. 

If no cellular coverage is available from any carrier during your 911 call, your phone may attempt to connect to a satellite. For iPhone 14 and later models, Apple includes an an Emergency SOS via satellite feature that is free for 2 years. Some Android phones have similar SOS functionality.

Steps:

  1. Try calling 911.
  2. If the call does not connect, tap "Emergency Text via Satellite" or "Satellite SOS" on your screen.
  3. Tap "Report Emergency" or similar prompt and answer the onscreen questions about your situation by typing.
  4. Follow the onscreen instructions to point your phone toward a satellite and send your message.

You may want to set up your Medical ID and emergency contacts now in the Health app (iOS) or Safety app (Android). That info is automatically transferred by satellite when reporting an emergency.

  Consider texting 911

Sometimes it is safer to text rather than call. Open your text messaging app (e.g., Messages app on iPhone). In the To field, type 911. In the Text Message field, type your emergency. Tap the send button. Text-to-911 may not be available, so you may get a "bounce-back" text telling you to make a voice call instead.

  If you have a field communication device, it may be your best option

Some researchers carry a personal locator beacon or satellite phone when working high on Niwot Ridge or Green Lakes Valley.

 

After you call 911, call the MRS. 
Let us know what is happening, so we can help facilitate a response.

Work your way down the phone list: 

  1. Marr Lab: 303-492-8842 or 303-492-8841 or 303-258-3017 (land line) 
  2. Station Manager Mike Haffey 303-492-8842 MRS or 720-694-6139 Cell
  3. Facilities Professional Dave Hill 303-492-2645 MRS
  4. Climate Technician Jen Morse 303-492-8841 MRS
  5.  Station Director Scott Taylor 303-735-0474  MRS or 303-735-5227 CU Boulder
  6. 24 Hour CU Facilities Management: 303-492-5522 

If no one answers, please leave a message with the following info before calling the next number: 

  • Description of incident and person
  • Location/time  
  • What you Need 
  • Who has been contacted and what measures are being taken.
 

Know where to find first aid gear

Station staff and many researchers are trained in first aid, including use of a defibrillator (AED). But in an emergency, especially a cardiac emergency, you should still take action if no one nearby has had training (including yourself). For example, AEDs have been designed to be usable by untrained people and in the large majority of cases, their use is legal without formal training.

  First aid kit locations: 

  • Marr Lab - Mailroom 
  • Moores-Collins Lodge – Front entryway 
  • Dining Hall – Lobby 
  • Bathhouse – Inside, on exterior wall

Kits for life or limb only:

  • C1 climate station 
  • Kiwi Van 
  • T-van 
  • Tundra Lab 
  • D1

If you have removed items from kits in any location, inform MRS staff.

  Defibrillator (AED) locations: 

  • Marr Lab - Mailroom 
  • Moores-Collins Lodge – Front entryway, Fall/Winter Season ONLY
  • Dining Hall – Lobby, summer Season ONLY 
  • Tundra Lab
 

In the event of a fire or other emergency which requires an evacuation of campus or a shelter-in-place, you will hear an emergency siren. The siren's tone and voice message will specify if you should evacuate OR run/hide/fight. The siren is located near the dining hall.

Assembly locations:

  1. Moores-Collins Family Lodge (Lockable shelter-in-place)
  2. Marr Lab (Lockable shelter-in-place)
  3. Hwy 72 Pullout (South/Right of County Road 116)…if Lodge and Marr Lab are unavailable

For a site evacuation
Unless instructed otherwise, the default evacuation route is via County Road 116 to an assembly location at the Highway 72 pullout just south of the turnoff to the station. This location is about 1.5 miles away and 5 minutes by car. Having an assembly location allows us to make a head count of all MRS residents who have evacuated.  See the map below.

Map showing an evacuation route from the Mountain Research Station to a turnout on Highway 71 about 1.5 miles away

Prohibited activities

Prohibitions at the Mountain Research Station include:

 

NO open fires

No open fires are allowed (candles, fire pits, fire pans, charcoal grills, etc). No use of personal propane grills or camp stoves is permitted.

 

NO smoking

Smoking products of any sort, including but not limited to, tobacco, cloves, or marijuana or vaporizers of any kind are prohibited both indoors and outdoors.

 

NO pets

Although we love them, pets are not permitted. In particular, dogs can increase the risk of unsafe encounters with large wildlife and may put both people and themselves in jeopardy.

 

NO camping

No camping is allowed for visitors, users, or guests anywhere within the Mountain Research Station, its property, or the adjacent Forest Service Research Area.

 

NO unauthorized firearms

Unauthorized possession of firearms, explosives, or other dangerous or illegal weapons anywhere within the Mountain Research Station campus is prohibited.

Alcohol & drug policy

All state and federal laws regarding the possession and consumption of alcohol or controlled substances apply to the Mountain Research Station. 

  Alcohol is not to be present or consumed in public areas or events (labs, classrooms) without proper approval from the University of Colorado. See more info at Dining > Alcohol at MRS events. 

  The University of Colorado is a “drug free workplace.” Possession, sale and/or use of illegal drugs is prohibited. University policy prohibits the use of marijuana on the CU-Mountain Research Station campus. 

Environmental hazards

 

  High altitude

Even people who are physically fit can experience altitude sickness at elevations as low as 8,000 ft (~2,400 m), which is below the station's base elevation of 9,500 ft (~2,900 m). In addition, many of our frequently visited research sites are located even higher, including a weather station at 12,267 ft (3,739 m).

Altitude sickness occurs when the body struggles to adjust to lower oxygen levels at high elevations.

 

   To minimize risk of getting sick:

  • If arriving from a much lower elevation, try to stay at least one night at about 5,000 ft (~1500m) elevation in Denver or Boulder.
  • Drink a lot of water and eat plenty of calories so your body is hydrated and has energy.  
  • Pace yourself when hiking and working the first few days.
  • Avoid alcohol, tobacco, sleeping pills, and caffeine*. 
* If you are a heavy caffeine user, you may want to keep up your routine in order to not confuse a caffeine withdrawal headache with altitude sickness.
 

   Early symptoms of altitude sickness can include: 

  • Headache
  • Loss of appetite
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue on minimal exertion
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nausea 
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • General feeling of being ill 
Mild-to-moderate symptoms are experienced by 25-40% of visitors from out of state (and ~7% of people from Denver/Boulder) after traveling to high elevation sites in Colorado.  In most cases, they will adjust to the altitude and symptoms will disappear within 24 to 48 hours. 
 

 
If you start having symptoms:

Don’t go higher, rest. Drink fluids.

  
If your symptoms don't get better (with rest, fluids, & time) or get worse

Descend to a lower altitude! Do NOT let anyone with symptoms descend alone. 

 

  Worsening symptoms may include: 

  • Severe headache.
  • Vomiting.
  • Walking like a drunk.
  • Increasing shortness of breath at rest.
  • Loss of consciousness.

Be aware that altitude sickness, also called Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), can progress to a life threatening buildup of fluid (edema) around the brain or in the lungs. Edema requires immediate medical care and an emergency descent to lower altitude or oxygen administration. There are two main types of edema:

High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE). Fluid developing around the brain is usually indicated by severe headache, poor coordination, and loss of consciousness. HACE is quite rare in Colorado.

High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE). Fluid collecting in the lungs is usually indicated by severe breathlessness. HAPE is uncommon in Colorado but can happen. For example, Summit County Colorado, which has 4.5+ million annual visitors, experiences about 200-300 HAPE cases per year. The elevation of the county ranges from about 8,000 ft (~2,400 m) to 14,000 feet (~4,300 m).

  More information

Article by a doctor specializing in high-altitude medicine (CU Anschutz)  

 

  Lightning

Lightning can strike anywhere and is one of nature’s most dangerous hazards. Each year, Colorado has about 2 fatalities and 12 injuries—often because individuals didn’t seek shelter soon enough. Every thunderstorm produces lightning, so any time you hear thunder, you are at risk.

 

If you are in the frontcountry

No place outside is safe from lightning. Frontcountry includes outdoor settings that are within a 30-minute walk of modern buildings or vehicles. This is where most lightning injuries occur because this is where people spend more time outdoors.

  When thunder roars, go indoors
If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike. Immediately move inside a substantial building or a hard-topped metal vehicle with the windows rolled up.

  Avoid unsafe shelters 
Small structures such as picnic shelters, tents, or porches do not provide protection. Never seek shelter under trees or near tall isolated objects.

  Stay safe inside
Remain indoors for at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder. Avoid touching corded electronics, plumbing, metal doors, or windows. Stay away from water, including sinks, bathtubs, and showers.

  If you are caught outside with no shelter
Avoid open fields, hilltops, and isolated trees. Stay away from metal objects like fences and poles. Crouch down on the balls of your feet with your head tucked in, minimizing contact with the ground.

 

If you are in the backcountry

Thunderstorms in Colorado can build between 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. If thunderstorms are in the forecast, never be above treeline after 1:00 p.m. 

If above treeline when a storm rolls in, rapidly descend to shelter.  

If above treeline and far from shelter: 

  •   Get inside a vehicle if you can.  Do not touch metal inside. Roll up windows.
  •   Otherwise, find the lowest possible area. It is always better to seek shelter in a thick forest versus an isolated stand of trees. Crouch with your head low, cover your ears with your hands, and keep your feet together.  Never sit or lie down on the ground.  If lightning is imminent and you are in a group, spread out at least 10 steps apart. 
 

How to help lightning victims

Victims do not carry an electrical charge and can be safely touched. Call 911 immediately and begin CPR or first aid if necessary.

  More information

National Weather Service (NOAA)

 More lightning info (5-page PDF)
Includes detailed tips for the backcountry
from the Lightning Data Center, NOAA, NWS, & NOLS

 

  Heat

Even on a sunny 70°F (21C) afternoon at the station, the high intensity of the sun at high altitude coupled with high exertion can lead to heat illness. When the body can no longer shed heat efficiently, illness can develop rapidly and is not always obvious before it becomes life-threatening.

 

  Prevent overheating & sunburn

  • Wear a wide brim hat and clothing that covers your skin. They are your most important defense.
  • Use 50 SPF sunscreen! Sun at altitude can be brutal.
  • Take twice the water you think you will drink & be sure to replace electrolytes lost during sweating.
 

  Heat exhaustion

Symptoms may include:

  • Faint or dizzy
  • Excessive sweating
  • Cool, pale, clammy skin
  • Weak, tired
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Muscle cramps

Treatment:

  1. Move to a cooler area.
  2. Loosen clothing.
  3. Sip water, get into the shade, and rest.
  4. Seek medical help if symptoms don't improve.

Left untreated, heat exhaustion can quickly escalate to heat stroke, causing organ damage or death.

 

  Heat stroke

Symptoms may include:

  • Confusion, disorientation
  • Throbbing headache
  • Stopped sweating
  • Red, hot, dry skin
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Body temperature at or above 104°F
  • Seizures
  • May lose consciousness

Treatment:

  1. Call 911. If unsuccessful, keep trying and take person to a hospital immediately.
  2. Move person to a cooler area. 
  3. Loosen clothing and remove extra layers.
  4. Do NOT let person drink water or other fluids.
  5. Cool person down immediately with water or ice until can be seen by medical staff.

  More information

National Weather Service (NOAA)

 

  Cold

Weather can change rapidly at the station, where snow is possible during any month of the year. Even in summer, cool periods combined with wind and rain can create challenging conditions and increase the risk of hypothermia. Accidental immersion into a cold stream or lake greatly increases that risk.

Hypothermia is the lowering of core body temperature, and on wet and windy days can happen even when air temperature is 60°F. On the upper parts of Niwot Ridge, average summer daytime temperatures are about 60°F (~16°C), while nighttime temperatures often drop to near or below freezing.

Hypothermia often develops gradually, impairing a person's judgment and making it difficult for them to realize they are in danger. In contrast, sudden immersion into one of our cold streams or lakes can cause an immediate cold shock response (gasping, hyperventilation, and loss of swimming control) combined with hypothermia. 

 

Symptoms of hypothermia can include:

  • Uncontrolled shivering.
  • Slow or slurred speech.
  • Memory lapses and incoherence.
  • Lack of coordination, such as immobile or fumbling hands.
  • Stumbling, drowsiness, and exhaustion.
 

  Reduce your risk of hypothermia by avoiding getting chilled and wet

Layered clothing - Even in summer, pack a waterproof/rainproof layer, warm winter hat, warm gloves, and extra wool socks. Try to avoid cotton, instead layer with wool or synthetics.  

Water safety - It is easy to slip and fall, especially on mountain trails and near bodies of water. Never walk, play, or climb on slippery rocks or logs, especially near waterfalls.

 

  If you or a person in your group starts showing symptoms of hypothermia:

Seek shelter from the weather. Move the person out of the cold, wind, and rain.

Strip wet clothing and insulate the core. Get the person into dry clothes, sleeping bags, or warm blankets. Ensure you insulate them from the cold ground as well.

Apply gentle heat to the core. Use warm dry compress packs or body-to-body contact (such as a "bear hug" wrap) around the chest, neck, and groin. Never apply direct boiling water or heating pads directly to bare skin. At first, do NOT apply heat to the arms or legs, or rub them; this pushes cold blood back to the heart, causing dangerous drops in body temperature.

Provide warm fluids: If—and only if—the person is fully conscious and able to swallow, offer warm, sweet, non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic liquids.

Call 911 when severe symptoms are present and anytime body temperature drops below 95°F (35°C). 

 

Frostbite occurs during prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, especially during high winds, or brief exposure in very cold temperatures of low wind-chill factors, when temperatures are cold enough to freeze body tissue. It occurs when skin and underlying tissues freeze, most commonly affecting the nose, cheeks, ears, fingers, and toes.

 

Symptoms of frostbite:

Early warning signs: 
Frostnip is a milder precursor to frostbite characterized by cold, numb, and pale skin, signaling that you must immediately rewarm the area and get out of the wind.

More advanced signs:

  • Numbness or a prickling feeling in the affected area.
  • Skin that turns pale, white, or grayish-yellow.
  • Hard, waxy, or unusually firm skin texture to the touch.
  • Stinging, burning, or aching pain upon rewarming.
 

  Reduce your risk of frostbite:

  • Dress in Layers. Wear a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating mid-layer, and a windproof/waterproof outer layer to trap body heat.
  • Protect Your Extremities. Always wear a warm hat, gloves or mittens, and thick wool socks.
  • Cover Exposed Skin. Wear face masks, scarves, or ski goggles to block freezing winds from hitting your face and eyes.
  • Stay Dry. Wet clothing, gloves, or socks freeze rapidly, which accelerates tissue damage.
  • Check Each Other. Regularly look at your hiking partners' faces and exposed skin for early signs of frostnip.
 

  Emergency field treatment

  • Get out of the wind and head indoors immediately if possible.
  • Remove constrictive jewelry, such as rings or watches, from the affected area.
  • Gently warm the skin using body heat (e.g., place frostbitten fingers in a warm armpit).
  • Do NOT rub or massage the affected skin, as ice crystals can damage the tissue.
  • Avoid using hot water, heating pads, or fires to thaw the skin, as numb skin can easily burn.
  • Seek medical help immediately for deep frostbite (where skin is hard and does not thaw), as quick medical treatment can prevent permanent damage or amputation.

  More information

National Weather Service (NOAA)

 

  Fire

Fire can pose a serious risk at the station, especially during dry summer months. This section explains fire restrictions, emergency evacuation procedures, current fire danger information, and how to respond safely if a fire occurs.

 

  NO open fires

No open fires are allowed (candles, fire pits, fire pans, charcoal grills, etc). No use of personal propane grills or camp stoves is permitted.

  NO smoking

Smoking products of any sort, including but not limited to, tobacco, cloves, or marijuana or vaporizers of any kind are prohibited both indoors and outdoors.

 

  Wildland fires

Wildland fire danger can be very high during the dry summer months. Open fires are always banned at the station but many summers have a fire ban in the surrounding areas too.

  • Report any smoke or flames at or nearby the station to staff or call 911.
  • Be aware of the current fire danger level. See the sign outside the Marr Lab, which is updated when conditions change.
  • If you are high up on Niwot Ridge, in some situations it may be safer to evacuate north (on foot) to the Brainard Lake area instead of coming back down to the MRS.
  • Do NOT park over dry grass.
  • Do NOT try to fight a wildland fire, unless you are trained personnel.
 

  Structural fires

Report any structural fires, small or large, to staff or call 911.

Wood burning stoves and cooking stoves are all potential sources of ignition in the dining hall, housing, and offices. Smoking is prohibited campus wide at the MRS facility per CU policy. 

Fire extinguishersfor small, controllable fires are found inside or outside every building. Extinguishers can be found hanging on the outside of each cabin. Pull pin, point at base of the fire and squeeze the trigger. It may take several bursts to extinguish the flame.

Do NOT try to fight a large, uncontrollable structural fire. Such fires should only be fought by trained personnel. 

  Drinking water

Do NOT drink water directly from mountain streams or lakes; they often harbor bacteria which can make you extremely ill. It is best to carry your drinking water into the field. But if you must drink from mountain streams or lakes, make sure it is purified with proper equipment to remove the harmful bacteria. 

Wildlife hazards

 

The Mountain Research Station is a wild place where black bears, moose, mountain lions, coyotes, and other wildlife are present throughout the year. Please enjoy wildlife from a distance and never feed animals, including squirrels and chipmunks.

Pets are not allowed at the station. In particular, dogs can increase the risk of unsafe encounters with large wildlife and may put both people and themselves in jeopardy.

The animals described below have the potential to be highly hazardous. Please familiarize yourself with ways to avoid encounters and how to respond safely if one occurs.

 

Moose

Moose

Moose are the most dangerous large animal in Colorado and very common around the station.Typically not aggressive, moose can be extremely dangerous when startled; especially a female moose with young. Make plenty of noise while hiking to reduce the chances of surprising a moose.

 

Watch out for moose!

Moose feeding in aspen grove

Moose foraging for aspen leaves (Photo: Darlene Bushue)

Moose are not normally aggressive towards people but do sometimes show aggression or charge when stressed, if they become food-conditioned, or when people venture too close. They are extremely fast but have poor vision, their defense is by trampling – they commonly weigh 800 pounds plus! Make sure everyone in your group knows about moose safety.

  Respect a moose’s personal space: Stay back 25 yards (~25m)

Stay back! Moose can become very dangerous if they feel cornered or threatened. Avoid eye contact: Keep your gaze soft and look away slightly. Don’t try and walk past the moose or make it move. Be safe and slowly back away in the direction you came, take a different route, or wait until it leaves. Be extra careful around a cow moose with a calf.

  If a moose charges or chases you: Run & hide

Run–as long as you have a head start. Hide behind something solid like a large tree or rock. Because moose charge to defend their space, they generally will not chase you for long.

   If a moose knocks you down: Curl up & protect your head

Curl into a ball, protect your head, and lie still until the moose retreats.

  Do NOT feed moose

Feeding moose makes them more dangerous and ornery. It is also against the law. Tell MRS staff if you see someone feeding a moose.

  Is that moose upset?

An agitated female moose with flattened (pinned) ears and erect neck hair (hackles). NPS Photo / Kent Miller

An angry female moose with flattened (pinned) ears and erect neck hair (hackles). NPS Photo / Kent Miller

When a moose is agitated, its ears might go back and the hair on its neck goes up. A really angry moose might stare directly at you, licks its lips, and/or lower its head (without eating). Back away slowly! If the moose comes after you, run–as long as you have a head start. Hide behind something solid like a large tree or rock.

Moose information adapted from Alaska Department of Fish and Game. 

 

Black bear

Bears

Although grizzly bears are no longer found in Colorado, black bears are very common around the station. Despite their name, black bears are highly varied in color, including brown or blond. Make plenty of noise while hiking to reduce the chances of surprising a bear.

 

Be bear aware

Black bear (Photo courtesy of Robert Pahre)

Bear are attracted to food and trash. So, dispose of your trash properly and do not leave food outside or unattended in your vehicle.

  When hiking at the MRS:

  • Make noise to avoid surprising a bear.
  • Hike in groups.
  • NO dogs.

If you see a bear:

  • Make enough noise so the bear is aware of your presence.
  • Pause to give the bear a chance to leave.
  • Never approach a bear.

If the bear does not leave:

  • Back away slowly.
  • Avoid direct eye contact.
  • Do NOT run or climb a tree.

  If the bear approaches, go on the offensive:

  • Make more noise, yell “go away bear”, waive your arms, clap your hands loudly, and throw objects (eg rocks) at the bear.
  • Black bears rarely attack humans. If you are attacked, do NOT play dead. Fight back with anything available.

 

Mountain lion (Photo courtesy of Tom Blandford)

Mountain lions

Although mountain lions are common around the station, encounters are rare. If you do see a lion, it will mostly likely be in the early morning, late evening, or at night. Travel in groups and make plenty of noise to reduce the chances of surprising a mountain lion.

 

A lion encounter is serious

Mountain lion lounges in a tree

Mountain lion (Photo: Tom Blandford)

If you do see a mountain lion, no matter how thrilled you are to be one of the very few who gets such an opportunity, stay well back, and take an encounter seriously. Adult females can weigh up to 145 pounds (66 kg) and adult males up to 220 pounds (100 kg)!

When encountering a mountain lion, your main goal is to convince the animal you are dangerous and not prey.

  Seem as large as possible

Make yourself appear larger by picking up children, leashing pets in, and standing close to other people. Open your jacket. Raise your arms. Wave your raised arms slowly.

  Make noise

Yell, shout, bang your walking stick or water bottle. Make any loud sound that cannot be confused by the lion as a sound of prey. Speak slowly and loudly to disrupt and discourage the lion’s hunting instincts. 

  Act defiant, not afraid

Maintain eye contact. Never run past or away from a mountain lion. Don’t bend over or crouch down. Wave your arms, throw stones or branches. Do not turn away.

  Slowly create distance

Assess the situation: consider whether you may be between the lion and its kittens, prey or cache. Back away slowly to give the lion a path to retreat, never turning your back. Give the lion time and the ability to get away.

  If attacked, fight back

 Protect your neck and throat. People have used rocks, jackets, garden tools, tree branches, walking sticks, fanny packs and even bare hands to turn away mountain lions. 

 

Western Deer Mouse. Copyright Vitek Jirinec on iNaturalist – some rights reserved (CC BY-NC).

Rodents & Hantavirus

In Colorado, common deer mice can transmit Hantavirus to humans via infected urine, feces, or saliva. Infections are rare but can be deadly. If you encounter an area with heavy rodent droppings/activity notify MRS staff so that it can be properly cleaned with safety protection.

 

 Be aware of dry, disturbed airborne particles

A mouse stands on its hind legs

Western Deer Mouse. Copyright Vitek Jirinec on iNaturalist – some rights reserved (CC BY-NC).

Hantavirus is a serious illness spread in Colorado by deer mice—through their urine, droppings, or saliva. When these materials dry and are disturbed, tiny particles can become airborne and inhaled, causing infection. Hantavirus infections are rare but can be deadly, so prevention and safe cleanup are essential.

Especially heavy infestations or unsafe areas may need professional cleanup, with workers using additional personal protective equipment (PPE).

   Keep rodents out

Seal openings the width of a pencil or larger where mice can enter buildings, campers, or cars. Use snap traps (not glue or live traps) to eliminate mice. Store food, pet food, and garbage in rodent-proof containers to prevent attracting rodents.

   Do NOT stir up dust

Never sweep or vacuum droppings, urine, or nesting material. This can release virus particles into the air.

  Before cleaning

Air out the space for at least 30 minutes. Wear rubber or plastic gloves and eye protection. An N-95 mask is a good idea too. Prepare a disinfectant or bleach solution using household bleach and water.

  While cleaning

Spray the contaminated area with disinfectant until very wet and let it soak for at least 5 minutes. Wipe up with paper towels, a sponge, or a mop, and discard materials safely.

  Recognize symptoms

Hantavirus infection can cause fever, headache, muscle aches, and difficulty breathing that may develop days or weeks after exposure. The most serious form, Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), can be life-threatening.

  Seek medical attention

If you have fever or trouble breathing and have recently been exposed to mice or rodent-contaminated areas, contact a healthcare provider immediately and explain your possible exposure. Early medical care can save lives.

  More information

Brochure from the California Department of Public Health (2-page PDF)

California Department of Public Health

 

Female Rocky Mountain Wood Tick (CDC via Wikipedia)

Ticks

Colorado has multiple ticks species that carry disease and commonly range up to ~11,000 ft in elevation near the treeline (MRS campus is at 9,500 ft). Preventative measures and tick checks should be practiced by all station visitors.

 

Protect yourself from bites but check daily just in case

A closeup of a female and male Rocky Mountain Wood Tick

Female (left) and male (right) Rocky Mountain Wood Tick (Dermacentor andersoni)

Ticks are blood-feeding parasites found throughout Colorado, most commonly the Rocky Mountain wood tick but including other species. They thrive at different times of the year in different regions/elevations. Most are active in spring and summer, especially in brushy, grassy, or wooded areas. Be extra careful at the woodland edges of grassy fields. 

While most bites are harmless, some ticks can transmit diseases like Colorado tick fever, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, and relapsing fever. 

  Avoid tick habitat

Stay on the center of trails and avoid brushing against tall grasses, shrubs, or low vegetation where ticks wait for hosts.

  Wear protective clothing

Wear long sleeves and long pants. Tuck pants into socks and wear light-colored clothing to make ticks easier to see.

  Use repellents

Apply DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to skin or clothing. Treat clothing with permethrin for longer protection, but never apply permethrin directly to the skin.

  Check for ticks

After spending time outdoors, thoroughly check your body, clothing, and gear. Remember that ticks can vary greatly in size across species and life stages, from a grain of sand, to a poppy seed, to an apple seed. Pay special attention to areas behind the knees, around the waist, underarms, and scalp. Remove ticks as soon as possible—ticks typically take 12 to 24 hours to begin feeding.

   Remove ticks safely

Grasp the tick with fine-tipped tweezers as close to the skin as possible. Pull slowly and steadily upward without twisting or crushing the tick. Clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water or disinfectant. Dispose of the tick by placing it in alcohol, sealing it in tape, or flushing it down the toilet.

  Recognize symptoms

 Watch for flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, fatigue, or rash within several days or weeks after a tick bite.

  Seek medical attention

If you develop a rash or fever after a tick bite, contact a healthcare provider and mention your recent exposure to ticks. Early treatment can prevent serious illness.

More information

Colorado State Extension

Inclusive & safe environment

The Mountain Research Station is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all researchers, students, and visitors. We strive to maintain a community free from harassment, where everyone is treated with respect. As part of our small mountain community, we encourage everyone to support one another and help create a positive experience for all.

See the MRS Community Agreement page

Researcher safety tasks

Researchers must complete seven required safety tasks:

  1.   Review the general safety information above.

  2.    Sign the MRS safety waiver.

  3.     View the MRS field safety guidance.

  4.    Submit/review your team's field safety plan.

  5.    Gather safety gear.

  6.    Train in first aid.

  7.    Consider how you will promote inclusive & safe fieldwork.

 See Research > Researcher safety tasks

  Want to see more visitor info?

From research and coursework to public visits, there are many ways to engage at the Mountain Research Station. 

Please review our visitor pages to help you plan ahead and ensure a safe, enjoyable experience.