A Good Houseguest
by Asya L. Simons, Park Guide & School Programs Coordinator, Garden of the Gods Park
It’s summer, and that means there are so many animals in the Garden! The bighorn sheep have made a few appearances, the mule deer are exploring with their fawns, the snakes are tanning on the trails, and there’s even been a black bear or two.
This abundance of animals means it’s time for a very important reminder: let wild animals stay wild. I know, this is easier said than done. The animals seem to beg for friendship – after all, they often stare at us from across the trail, completely unfazed by the millions of park visitors every year. And yet! The best way to love our wildlife is to keep them wild – both for your safety and for theirs.
How do we do that? Here are some tips to help you have a great visit to the Garden of the Gods without harming the animals we all know and love!
1) Use the rule of thumb! If you hold out your arm and can cover the entire animal with the pad of your thumb, you are at an appropriate distance.
2) Remember that a good mom looks different between species. A human baby left alone in the woods = bad parenting. A mule deer baby left alone in the woods = great parenting. They don’t need you to babysit, I promise.
3) Did I mention the rule of thumb? That goes for baby deer too.
4) Keep dogs on leash. You know this one already. Dogs are scary to wildlife and love to chase things! Just the act of being chased can cause extreme stress in animals like rabbits, making them easier prey to other animals. Not to mention that a curious dog may have an unpleasant encounter with a rattlesnake or coyote.
5) Use the handy-dandy bear proof trash cans! Litter doesn’t just detract from the beauty of your Park; it also teaches animals that humans = food, which can lead to dangerous encounters and sick animals.
One of the best parts about a visit to the Garden of the Gods is seeing the different animals in their homes. But this also comes with the responsibility of being a good house guest. They are counting on you!
