Aspen is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Keeping WILDlife wild helps protect both people and animals.
Keep Your Distance
Wildlife should always be observed from a distance. If an animal stops feeding, looks directly at you, moves away, or shows signs of agitation or aggression, you are too close. Even animals that seem familiar, such as deer, can become aggressive when fed or approached.
A simple way to judge distance is the “thumb rule.” Hold your arm straight out and cover the animal with your thumb. If your thumb does not completely cover the animal, you are too close.
Respect Wildlife
- Never approach or gather around wildlife, including young animals
- Never feed wildlife — feeding is illegal and harmful
- Leave babies alone; parents are often nearby
- Keep pets leashed
- Give wildlife plenty of space
- Report wildlife being fed to (970) 920-BEAR.
If You Encounter Wildlife
- Stay calm and do not run
- Back away slowly and give the animal space
- Avoid blocking escape routes
Human activity can cause significant stress for wildlife and close encounters increase the risk of injury, conflict, and vehicle collisions. It's important to remember that WILDlife is wild, even in urban settings.
Learn More
Select a species below to learn how to live responsibly alongside wildlife commonly found in and around Aspen.