Avoiding Conflicts
In most situations, people and wildlife can coexist. When observing wildlife, if you change an animal's natural behavior, you are too close. Most dangerous and potentially harmful encounters occur because people fail to leave animals alone. Leave newborn wildlife alone; a parent will return.
The following wildlife tips should help foster a community culture of safety and mutual respect.
- Never feed wildlife. Intentional or inadvertent feeding is the major cause of problems.
- Feeding wildlife is illegal
- Wildlife should not be chased, harassed, captured, or domesticated, all of which is illegal
- Keep all pet food and refuse in a wildlife resistant metal container, or locked within the home or garage
- Keep lower level windows and doors locked when you are not home
- Birdfeeders are a major bear attractant. Feed birds only in winter when bears are hibernating.
- Use wildlife resistant refuse containers (PDF). Snowmass Village laws do not allow POLY PLASTIC containers.
- Clean barbeque grills after each use
Moose Tips:
Dogs and Moose Do Not Play Well Together
Moose can be aggressive when dogs and humans get too close. Dogs - both on and off-leash - can spook a moose to charge and seriously injure the dog's owner. State wildlife officials caution that the large ungulates see dogs as a threat due to their similarities with wolves, their primary predator. Dogs should never be allowed to approach a moose.
When Moose Meet People
Moose do not fear humans as much as other big game species. Female moose (cows) are very protective of their young (calves) to the point of being dangerous if approached or caught off guard. Bulls also can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season (rut) in the fall.
These formidable beasts need their space and must be given command and respect when observed in the wild.
- Keep pets away as moose can get quite aggressive around them.
- If threatened by a moose, stay calm; do not run away; talk, make your presence known and slowly back off in direction you came.
While moose encounters with people are quite common, moose actually cause few problems. However, moose have "treed" people who have approached them too closely, have killed or injured pets or livestock and have chased people away from territories they are defending. Caution and common sense go a long way in preventing potential problems with moose.
Trail Closures
Respect seasonal trail closures. Closures are enforced by Animal Services to protect sensitive habitats. Wildlife cameras are in use and citations can be issued.
Wildlife Closure Areas:
View the nearby closure areas and dates in GIS.
