Wildlife is plentiful here in Cordillera. Just some of the wildlife you may be lucky to see includes black bears, coyotes, moose, fox, mountain lion, deer and elk. Preventing problems with wildlife is a community effort. Keep wildlife wild!
Public Safety, in concert with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, monitors the wildlife that share the mountains with residents. Report negative encounters with wildlife to Cordillera Public Safety at 970-926-2335 who will work with Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Cordillera is prime habitat for black bears. In 2001, Cordillera adopted a resolution aimed at preventing human-bear interactions. Thanks to community-wide support, the program has been successful.
Black bears normally avoid humans, although they are not afraid of people. Bears easily become accustomed to eating human food whether from garbage, bird feeders, barbecues or homes. When bears develop bad habits, the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife relocates or destroys it. Cordillera works hard to prevent this.
Please remember the following:
Coyotes are native to the Western United States and Canada and are commonly seen in Cordillera. They are territorial and may chase or kill other canines, including dogs and foxes. They readily lose their natural cautiousness around people. However, human encounters with coyotes are rare. Precautions to prevent negative encounters with coyotes include:
Moose are magnificent creatures and are exciting to see, but can be very dangerous. Precautions to prevent negative encounters include:
If a moose charges:
Every year, numerous mountain lion sightings are reported. Statistically, a lion attacking a pet or person is rare, but precautions must be taken including:
Additional information can be found on the Colorado Parks & Wildlife website.
