Natural Resources official says getting rid of trash is 1 step to avoiding wildlife

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --

Natural Resources officials at the Air Force Academy are not surprised by the abundant reports of wildlife.

 

Brain Mihlbachler, Natural Resources official, said surprise visits from wildlife in base housing can be reduced if residents use animal-resistant trash containers with working doors and lids that can be locked or latched.

 

“[Garbage] is dangerous, unnatural and unhealthy for bears and other wildlife,” he said. “It can make wildlife comfortable in populated areas, so remove and secure food or garbage.

 

Mihlbachler said female bears could return to the base housing area with a cub in the spring if they’ve been able to get to garbage in the fall.  

 

“Before they hibernate, bears can consume up to 20,000 calories a day,” he said. “They forage around the clock.”  

 

Along with deer, mice and other small animals, Black bears and Mountain Lions are occasionally seen here. All can carry and transmit rabies, Hantavirus, the plague, and other diseases, Mihlbachler said.


Safety tips

-- Avoid getting close to wildlife

-- Make noise to let animals know you’re in the area

-- Don’t feed, harass or try to touch the animals

-- Be aware of your surroundings

-- Keep your pets on a leash and your children away from wildlife

-- Get rid of unnatural foods: garbage, bird feeders, pet food, and etc.

-- Store you BBQ indoors.

 

Call 333-2790 or 333-3308 if animals are causing a problem near your on-base residence.   

Visit the Colorado Department of Natural Resources for more information.