Guest post by Barbara Spagnuolo, Natural Resource Specialist for the Town of Castle Rock, Colorado

From large tracts of federally managed lands, such as National Forests, National Recreation Areas, National Parks and Wilderness Areas, to smaller pockets of open space areas managed by local municipalities, millions of acres of America have been set aside and protected from future development.  These lands possess natural, ecological, open space, scenic, historical, cultural, educational and/or recreational values of great importance to the American public.  Often, these lands which provide natural habitat for native plants and animals, are also the same lands where we go to hike, camp, bike, fish, hunt, explore or just observe nature, so wildlife encounters may occur.  However, while viewing wildlife can be exciting for you and your children, it is imperative to use caution, especially with bears, mountain lions (also known as panthers and pumas), coyotes and poisonous snakes. We can safely enjoy the outdoors, where the wild things are, if we remember a few important points.

First of all, attacks on humans by bears, mountain lions, snakes and other wildlife are rare.  Wildlife is best observed quietly from a safe distance, preferably with a good set of binoculars.  Unexpected encounters or conflicts with wildlife while on the trail can be prevented by talking or making some noise to warn bears and lions of your presence and keeping your dogs leashed. Remember to stay alert and aware of your surroundings.  Here are tips about how to handle encounters with some of the most common wildlife in North America.

Black Bears

Black Bear

Black bears can swim, climb trees and run very fast. They can be seen at any time, day or night, often searching for food, such as berries, nuts, insects and carrion. Do not feed, approach, or get between a bear and its food or its cubs.  Most black bear and human encounters involve food. Black bears are usually shy of humans but some may be naturally curious.

What to do if you encounter a black bear:

• Most importantly, stay calm and do not run away
• Avoid direct eye contact but keep an eye on the bear at all times
• Slowly back away
• Make lots of noise

Mountain Lions (AKA Pumas or Panthers)

Mountain Lion

Mountain lions are primarily solitary and most common in foothills and canyon country. They are most active dusk to dawn but will travel and hunt in daylight.  They require sufficient cover in areas with a lack of human activity but are known to travel long distances in search of food.  Their main prey is deer, which are hunted by stalking, but they also kill elk, porcupines, as well as a variety of domestic animals including pets.  Lions will cover their kills with dirt and leaves and will return every few days to feed on it.

What to do if you encounter a mountain lion:

• Most importantly, stay calm and do not run away
• Give the lion lots of room
• Look as large as possible (open your jacket wide, place your arms over your head)
• Move away slowly

Prairie Rattlesnakes

Prairie Rattlesnake

This is a venomous (poisonous) snake found in grassland areas, most often seen sunning themselves on rocky outcrops. They mainly prey on rodents, but also feed on bird eggs and lizards. These snakes will rattle their tail as a warning if you approach too close, but they may bite as a last resort.  Venomous snakes can be observed from a safe distance, as they are generally non-aggressive towards people unless they are startled, cornered or stepped on.

What to do if you encounter a rattlesnake:

• Most importantly, remain calm and still at first
• Give the snake lots of room and walk around it or back away
• Do not handle, move or harass it

Coyotes

Coyote

Coyotes are found in every state in a variety of habitats, ranging from grassland to deserts to urban areas and mountains, as it is very adaptable.  They are most common where rabbits, mice and gophers live and are generally active at night but sometimes active both day and night.  However, urban coyotes can easily become used to living in close proximity to people and are frequently seen during the day in these urban environments.  Although attacks on people are rare, urban coyotes may be aggressive and may associate people with food.

What to do to prevent aggressive encounters:

• Do not let your dog run with coyotes.
• Keep your distance and don’t approach a coyote.
• Throw rocks or sticks to frighten it away.