Wildlife

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