U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- The Air Force Academy is a menagerie of wildlife, including bear, Bobcats, deer, and other animals that could injure or attack hikers, bikers and pets on trails here.
Brian Mihlbachler, the Academy’s natural resources manager, said there’s a reason for the “wild” in wildlife.
“All wild animals are unpredictable and potentially hazardous,” he said. “Not all encounters with wild animals are safe or welcome.”
Some hazards posed by wild animals include diseases, bites and attacks, Mihlbachler said.
“Bats, rabbits, squirrels, mice, prairie dogs, raccoons and other small mammals can carry and transmit rabies, Hantavirus, Tularemia, plague and etc.,” he said. “Leave them alone. Larger animals such as coyotes, Bobcat, deer, black bears and mountain lions, present a greater safety hazard in the form of an attack.”
Mihlbachler said situational awareness ups the safety ante, and recommends hikers and bikers on the Academy’s trails never wear anything that decreases their hearing.
“Be aware of your surroundings at all times, watch out for wildlife, trail hazards and other people,” he said. “Wearing earbuds or headphones on the trail is discouraged because of the possibility of encountering hazardous wildlife.”
Trail-users should never feed or approach wild animals for any reason, Mihlbachler said.
“Observe wildlife from a safe distance and give them enough space to escape and feel unthreatened,” he said.
Safety tips:
“Larger animals such as coyote, bobcat, deer, black bear, and mountain lion present a greater safety hazard when close to people,” Mihlbachler said.
Mihlbachler said Academy residents and trail-users can minimize the risk of wildlife problems by taking a few simple steps:
-- Don't allow animals to closely approach. This is a sign that someone is feeding it.
-- Be aware of your surroundings and keep pets and children close and under control.
-- Make a little noise to let wildlife know you are in the area.
-- Wild animals are attracted to garbage but animal-resistant trash containers can deter wildlife when closed and latched.
“The bottom line is that we can help eliminate opportunities for animals to get into garbage, pet food, or bird feeders by properly securing our trash container,” Mihlbachler said.
Call 333-3308 to report wildlife sightings or issues; and 333-2200 to report an emergency health or safety concern.
Visit cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/LivingwithWildlife.aspx and usafa.isportsman.net for more information.