NEW SIGNAGE ALERTS RESIDENTS OF BEAR, LION, OR COYOTE ACTIVITY IN THEIR AREA
The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) is introducing new signs to the Front Range to alert citizens when bears, lions, or coyotes are active in their community. The new “sandwich board” signs will be used by wildlife officers to communicate immediate sighting information and offer informational pamphlets and contact methods for the DOW.
The use of the signs will be determined by the local wildlife officer–for example, if a bear has been getting into trash in a neighborhood, the Bear Alert sign may go up in the next few days, asking residents to secure their trash. Signs will stay up for a few days, so that the public can take action and doesn’t become habituated to the visual signal of the sign. Homeowners are encouraged to read the Living with Wildlife brochure affixed to the sign or view it at http://wildlife.state.co.us/WildlifeSpecies/LivingWithWildlife/.
“The new signs are part of our ongoing efforts to assist and inform the public about certain wildlife activity on the Front Range,” said Debbie Lerch, Northeast Region Education Coordinator. “We hope that people will heed this information when it goes up in their neighborhoods and update their problem prevention efforts”
“Bear Alert” When this sign is posted it means that a bear has been seen in the area or neighborhood. The bear may or may not have had contact with food sources or caused property damage. This is a way to inform citizens to be aware of the presence of this animal. Area residents would then need to consider taking the following actions:
Make sure trash is stored in a bear proof container, shed or garage and that it is only put out for pick up the morning of collection.
Put away bird feeders and other food attractants, including BBQ grills.
Secure windows and doors.
Supervise children and pets when they are outside.
Additional information on dealing with bears can be found online at: http://wildlife.state.co.us/WildlifeSpecies/LivingWithWildlife/Mammals/BearCountry.htm
“Lion Alert” When this sign is posted it means that a lion has been seen in the area or neighborhood. The lion may or may not have had contact with humans or pets. This is a way to inform citizens to be aware of the presence of this animal. Area residents may want to take the following precautions:
Supervise children and pets when they are outside.
Refrain from playing, running or walking outside past dusk and before dawn.
Turn outside lights on in the evening and early morning hours when coming and going.
Additional information on dealing with lions can be found online at: http://wildlife.state.co.us/WildlifeSpecies/LivingWithWildlife/Mammals/LionCountry1.htm
“Coyote in the Area” When this sign is posted it means that a coyote or coyotes have been seen in the area or neighborhood. The coyote may or may not have had contact with humans or pets. This is a way to inform citizens to be aware of the presence of this animal. Area residents may want to take the following precautions:
Supervise pets or small children when they are outside.
Make sure there are no food attractants near their home or in the area.
Additional information on dealing with bears can be found online at:
http://wildlife.state.co.us/WildlifeSpecies/LivingWithWildlife/Mammals/CoyoteCountry.htm
To see an example of a sign, please click the link below:
http://dnr.state.co.us/imagedb/images/3726.jpg