All articles tagged with #colorado parks and wildlife
A Colorado Parks and Wildlife ranger was stabbed during an altercation at Staunton State Park, prompting a large-scale search for the suspect involving ground and air resources, park lockdown, and evacuations; the ranger is hospitalized with serious injuries, and the suspect remains at large.
A 4-year-old boy was attacked by a cow elk at a playground in Estes Park, marking the second such incident in days. The boy was treated and released from the hospital. The attacks are linked to elk calving season, during which cow elk can become aggressive to protect their hidden calves. The playground and parts of a nearby trail are closed, and warning signs have been posted.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife confirmed the first wolf depredation on livestock in Grand County since the reintroduction of gray wolves in December. A dead calf with wounds consistent with wolf depredation was found, and the livestock producer is eligible for fair market value compensation. The state's wolf restoration and management plan outlines protocols for investigating and compensating for wolf depredation, as well as providing non-lethal deterrents for livestock owners. CPW will continue reintroducing wolves over the next few years and monitoring the population's self-sustainability, while also addressing human-wolf conflicts through a dedicated wolf conflict coordinator and supply houses for prevention materials.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife released a map showing the locations of 12 collared wolves in Colorado, with the wolves ranging in drainages in several counties. Lawmakers grilled wildlife officials about the reintroduction of wolves from Oregon, expressing concerns about trust, collaboration, and addressing mental health problems for impacted communities. The agency is working to repair relationships and define chronic depredation, while also aiming to rebuild trust with communities impacted by the reintroduction. The wolves are being tracked through collars and the agency is taking a pause to review its reintroduction work and focus on avoiding conflicts with livestock.
A lawsuit filed by Colorado ranchers seeking to block the release of wolves in the state has led to a flurry of filings from various parties involved. The ranchers are requesting an injunction and temporary restraining order to prevent Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) from releasing wolves on the Western Slope. CPW has agreed not to release wolves until after a hearing on Thursday. The ranchers argue that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service should have conducted an environmental impact statement review before renewing its agreement with CPW. Attorneys for the Fish and Wildlife Service argue that the ranchers are unlikely to succeed in their claim. Defenders of Wildlife and Friends of Animals have asked the court to allow them to defend the planned wolf reintroduction. CPW argues that the ranchers' case is not likely to succeed and that a delay in the reintroduction will cost money and not serve the public interest.
Surveillance footage captured a black bear entering a hotel kitchen in Aspen, Colorado, and attacking a security guard who was investigating reports of bear activity. The guard suffered minor injuries and the bear was later euthanized by wildlife officers. The incident serves as a reminder to give wildlife space and be "bear aware" as bears prepare for hibernation.
A bear entered the kitchen of a luxury resort in Aspen and attacked a security guard who had gone to investigate. The guard surprised the bear, which swiped at him and knocked him down before he was able to escape and call for help. The guard was treated for scratches on his back and released from the hospital. Wildlife officers were unable to safely tranquilize and capture the bear, which had entered the hotel through a series of doors near the courtyard. Human-bear conflicts are increasing in Colorado due to an increase in camping and hunting, with most conflicts involving unsecured attractants like garbage and human food.
A bear cub caused traffic disruption on I-25 in Colorado Springs before being corralled off the highway by first responders. Unfortunately, the bear had been hit by a car and was injured, leading to the decision to euthanize it. This incident serves as a reminder for people to be "Bear Aware" as bears are currently active, searching for food to prepare for hibernation.
One person has died and two others were rescued after a small boat sank on Lake Pueblo in Colorado. Witnesses and rangers attempted to save the passengers, but one individual, who was not wearing a life jacket, struggled to swim to shore and disappeared below the surface. The body and the boat were later recovered. This incident marks the 24th water-related death in Colorado this year and the first at Lake Pueblo in 2023. The sinking is believed to be a tragic accident caused by choppy waters and the weight of water in the boat.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) captured a mountain lion suspected of grabbing a dog at Yamaguchi Park in Pagosa Springs. The dog managed to escape, and the lion was later found under a porch near the park. Due to the risk to human safety, the lion was tranquilized, given a health assessment, tagged, and released deep into the national forest. CPW hopes to never encounter this lion again and urges residents to be cautious in mountain lion country.
An 11-year-old girl in Buena Vista, Colorado, was swatted in the face by a young mountain lion while entering a chicken coop on her family's property. The animal was euthanized by Colorado Parks & Wildlife officers, who found it still in the coop. The girl was treated for a puncture wound and released from the hospital. CPW officers consider the mountain lion's actions to be defensive rather than a stalking-type attack because it did not pursue the girl. Mountain lion attacks are rare, but CPW takes all animal-human encounters seriously.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife warns residents of Woodland Park to be cautious after a family of mountain lions, likely a mother and three kits, was spotted on a local public trail. The warning follows a number of recent mountain lion sightings in the area. CPW advises people to carry pepper spray and a walking stick, keep pets leashed, and avoid going alone. Mountain lion attacks on humans are rare but can occur if the animal feels threatened or is defending young.
A man hot-tubbing in Colorado was clawed in the head by a mountain lion that left four superficial scratches on his head and right ear. The man cleaned his wounds and refused medical treatment when Colorado Parks and Wildlife arrived. The couple made noise and shone a light on the lion, which retreated only 20 feet away from them and continued watching. Parks and Wildlife has alerted neighbors and posted signs warning of lion activity.