Plants and animals are living organisms that help to make up our ecosystem. Native flora and fauna to various regions play important roles in the human existence on earth, meaning without either, we wouldn't have life. How that works, the flora (plant life) provide oxygen that is breathed by the fauna (wildlife). After the oxygen is inhaled, the fauna then exhale in the form of carbon dioxide which the flora need in order to survive. A beautiful circle of life which abounds in Colorado.
While you enjoy visiting the peaceful mountain setting of Breckenridge Colorado and admiring the vast picturesque landscapes surrounding our quaint town, please do your part to respect the wonderful ecosystem.
Living with Wildlife
Don't be alarmed if you happen to see one of Smokey the Bear's cousins walking by. Just follow the simple mountain living advice we've put together to keep you, your family, and the bear safe during your stay. ,
While on vacation, you may encounter many different types of animals who consider the Rocky Mountain forests their home. It's both exciting and a little unnerving when you aren't quite sure just what to expect.
Moose, bears, foxes, racoons, porcupines, chipmunks, mountain goats, mountain lions, elk, antelope, dear, birds of prey, marmots, weasels, beavers, bald eagle's nests, and other various critters all live in and around Breckenridge.
Your mountain guide to living in peace with these awesome living organisms!
- Keep the garage door CLOSED when you aren't using it - designated trash and recycling bins are kept in the garage. Keep the garage doors closed to avoid any unnecessary visitors
- Leave ALL trash in the designated trash cans and never outside - it's amazing how well an animal's sense of smell is. If you leave it outside, they will undoubtedly find it
- Do NOT feed the animals - wild animals are meant to live in the wild. By eating too much of what you do, they will continue to come around. In addition, they may start to become dependant on human food
- Do NOT approach the animals - wildlife are just as confused by us as we are them. Most of the time, they will just continue to their business if you continue to yours
- Do NOT harass the animals - if an animal feels threatened, they will not hesitate to defend themselves
- Animals may carry disease - sometimes, wild animals may carry harmful bacteria which only they are immune to. You or your domestic pet may not have the proper antibodies to fight those germs off
Moose Specific
- Keep dogs leashed and under control at ALL Times - Moose can be very aggressive around dogs. It is against Colorado law to allow dogs to chase or harass wildlife
- Moose cows with calves - can be extremely aggressive in the spring or anytime with their young
- Bull Moose - may be especially aggressive during the fall breeding season
- Back off! - if a moose exhibits any signs of aggression such as the hair standing up on their neck, snout licking, or ears back, back away slowly
- On a Trail - give the moose a lot of space and watch its behavior
- Stay calm - DO NOT run away. Talk, make your presence known and slowly back off in the direction you came
- If you are charged - hide behind something solid such as a tree
- If a moose knocks you down - curl into a ball, protect your head and lie still until the moose retreats
