Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has taken a proactive step to safeguard wintering wildlife through its newly launched initiative, the “Wintering Wildlife Conservation Initiative.” With a focus on minimizing human disturbance during the vulnerable winter months, this campaign aims to increase public awareness about the challenges faced by wildlife and educate individuals on ways to protect and reduce human impacts on wintering animals.

The Urgency of Winter Wildlife Conservation:

According to a state news release, wildlife is most susceptible to human disturbance during winter, making it imperative to address this issue promptly. The campaign, developed in partnership with Winter Wildlands Alliance and Colorado Mountain Club and funded by Great Outdoors Colorado, aims to mitigate the stress and disturbances that can jeopardize the survival of big game species like elk, mule deer, moose, and bighorn sheep.

Objectives of the Initiative:

The primary goal of the Wintering Wildlife Conservation Initiative is to minimize human disturbance to wildlife during the winter and spring seasons. Winter disturbances caused by human activities can impact the ability of these animals to survive into the following season and reduce the success rates of females in raising offspring. Additionally, disturbances can lead wildlife onto private lands or transportation corridors, resulting in significant declines in herds and populations, increased roadkill, and game damage on private lands.

Also Read:  Wildlife Conservation in Crisis: Madison County’s Struggle for Adequate Wildlife Rehabilitation 

Guidelines for Recreators:

Colorado Parks and Wildlife emphasizes the importance of giving wildlife space, being aware of winter habitat closures, and being prepared to alter plans when encountering wildlife or signs of recent wildlife activity. The initiative encourages individuals, businesses, and organizations to use the social posting toolkit available on the Wintering Wildlife Conservation Initiative website (winteringwildlife.org) to spread awareness and contribute to the responsible recreation in wildlife habitats.

Addressing Species Perceptions:

Hilary Eisen, the policy director with Winter Wildlands Alliance, highlights that regardless of intentions, many species perceive humans as a threat. The initiative’s mission is to provide crucial information to winter recreationists, helping them navigate the backcountry while minimizing their impact on wintering wildlife in Colorado’s public lands.

Challenges Faced by Moose:

The release emphasizes the unpredictable nature of encounters with moose, which can be particularly hazardous due to their lack of fear towards humans. Moose may descend from the high country into mountain towns during storms, posing a risk to individuals who get too close. The initiative seeks to educate the public about the potential dangers and promote responsible behavior around wildlife.

Winter:

A Challenging Time for Wildlife: Jeromy Huntington, Area Wildlife Manager with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, highlights the difficulty wildlife faces during winter, where access to food is limited. The increasing number of people recreating in Colorado’s outdoors during winter adds pressure and stress on wildlife, causing them to expend valuable calories needed for survival. Through collaboration with the Wintering Wildlife Conservation Initiative, CPW aims to raise awareness and educate both locals and visitors on the crucial importance of protecting wildlife during the winter months.

As winter recreation continues to grow across Colorado, it is essential to balance the enjoyment of outdoor activities with the preservation of the state’s diverse wildlife. The Wintering Wildlife Conservation Initiative stands as a beacon for responsible recreation, urging individuals to respect winter habitat closures, give wildlife the space they need, and contribute to the well-being of wintering wildlife in the beautiful landscapes of Colorado.