Colorado Parks and Wildlife: Promoting Healthy Wildlife Interactions
Feeding wildlife might seem like a kind gesture, but it can be detrimental to their health and survival. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) strongly advises against this practice to prevent harm to our wild neighbors.
Under Colorado law, it is illegal to feed big game animals due to the significant risks it poses to both their health and safety. Several cities have also imposed fines and regulations against feeding smaller wildlife such as squirrels and rabbits, as these actions can lead to severe health issues and potentially fatal outcomes for the animals involved.
How Can You Positively Impact Wildlife?
- Maintain a Respectful Distance: Always observe wildlife from afar to avoid disturbing their natural behaviors.
- Keep Pets Controlled: Ensure your dog is leashed while on trails to prevent any interactions that could distress or harm wildlife.
- Resist the Urge to Interfere: Do not approach, touch, or feed any wild animals. If you encounter a sick or injured animal, contact your local CPW office for professional advice and assistance.
- Educate Yourself and Others: Engage with educational materials that CPW offers, such as the innovative song parodies based on popular tunes like ‘Another Brick in the Wall’ and ‘Never Gonna Give You Up.’ These songs, inspired by actual incidents of people feeding wildlife, highlight the crucial message of respecting our wildlife by keeping them wild and unfed.
CPW’s recent initiative includes an Online Toolkit where these song parodies are available. These educational tools creatively convey the consequences of feeding wildlife and reinforce the importance of adhering to state laws designed to protect our wild inhabitants.
By following these guidelines and supporting educational initiatives, you can contribute to the well-being of Colorado’s wildlife and help maintain the delicate balance of our ecosystem.
Under Colorado law, it is illegal to feed big game animals due to the significant risks it poses to both their health and safety. Several cities have also imposed fines and regulations against feeding smaller wildlife such as squirrels and rabbits, as these actions can lead to severe health issues and potentially fatal outcomes for the animals involved. CPW’s recent initiative includes an Online Toolkit where these song parodies are available. These educational tools creatively convey the consequences of feeding wildlife and reinforce the importance of adhering to state laws designed to protect our wild inhabitants. By following these guidelines and supporting educational initiatives, you can contribute to the well-being of Colorado’s wildlife and help maintain the delicate balance of our ecosystem.