01 · FOOD
Remove food attractants
Keep garbage, pet food, bird seed, grills, coolers, and other scented items secured. Wildlife that finds food around homes may return repeatedly.
Living With Wildlife
Wildlife belongs here, and safe distance protects everyone.
Elk, mule deer, black bears, coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, and smaller animals may appear in neighborhoods throughout the Estes Valley. Seeing them can be memorable, but wildlife should always be treated as wild.
Never feed or approach an animal. Give wildlife room to move, keep pets under control, and avoid placing yourself between adults and their young. Responsible habits help protect people, pets, property, and the animals themselves.
The best wildlife encounter is one enjoyed from a respectful distance.
Around the Home
Small habits can prevent most wildlife conflicts.
Wildlife activity changes by season, neighborhood, food availability, and habitat. These practical steps can help make a home less inviting to animals while allowing them to move safely through the landscape.
02 · DISTANCE
Observe from a safe distance
Use binoculars or a camera zoom instead of moving closer. If an animal changes its behavior because of you, you are too close.
03 · PETS
Protect pets
Keep dogs leashed where required, supervise pets outdoors, and bring pet food inside. Pets can provoke or attract wildlife even in residential areas.
04 · YARDS
Make yards less attractive
Pick ripe fruit, clean grills, secure compost, and avoid intentionally feeding wildlife. Check decks, crawlspaces, and sheds for possible shelter areas.
05 · SEASONS
Give animals extra room
Elk during the fall rut and animals with young can be especially defensive. Never crowd, surround, or block an animal's escape route.
06 · RESPONSE
Know who to contact
For injured, trapped, or threatening wildlife, contact the appropriate local authority or Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Call emergency services when there is an immediate threat to human safety.
Respectful Viewing
Enjoy the moment without changing the animal's behavior.
The National Park Service advises visitors to remain at least 75 feet from wildlife and at least 120 feet from black bears, moose, and mountain lions. Around town, the same principle applies: distance is safer than a close photograph.
Never feed wildlife, attempt a selfie, follow an animal, or use a vehicle to block its path. Calm, quiet observation helps keep wildlife wild and reduces the chance of conflict.
Continue Exploring
Explore the remaining Mountain Living chapters.
Select any chapter below to continue through the Mountain Living Guide.
About This Resource
Built to help readers ask better questions.
The Estes Park Living Library is an educational project from Estes Park Team Realty. It is designed to organize local information in a clear, useful format for buyers, sellers, homeowners, and visitors.
This guide does not replace property-specific inspections, professional advice, emergency instructions, or current guidance from public agencies. Conditions and requirements can change, so readers should verify important details with the appropriate official source.
Official Sources
References used for this chapter
These sources provide official wildlife-safety guidance, regulations, conflict-prevention information, and local resources.
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National Park Service
Official wildlife-viewing distances, food-storage guidance, and safety information for Rocky Mountain National Park.
View NPS wildlife safety -
Colorado Parks and Wildlife
State guidance for living with black bears, mountain lions, elk, deer, and other Colorado wildlife.
View CPW living-with-wildlife resources -
Town of Estes Park
Official local information about wildlife, trash storage, community services, and town regulations.
Visit the Town of Estes Park -
Larimer County
County resources for animal control, emergency response, public health, and neighborhood concerns.
Visit Larimer County -
Estes Park Police Department
Local public-safety information and emergency contacts for incidents within town limits.
Visit Estes Park Police -
Colorado State University Extension
Educational resources about wildlife-resistant landscapes, property care, and reducing conflicts around homes.
Visit CSU Extension