The Granby area offers incredible opportunities to witness wildlife in their natural habitat. However, it's crucial to remember that these are wild animals, and responsible viewing is essential for both your safety and the well-being of the wildlife. Let's explore some key guidelines for wildlife encounters.
 

General Wildlife Viewing Tips

 

  • Keep Your Distance: Maintain a respectful distance from all wildlife. Use binoculars or a telephoto lens for closer views.
  • Never Feed Wildlife: Feeding animals disrupts their natural foraging behaviors and can make them dependent on humans.
  • Stay on Designated Trails: This minimizes disturbance to wildlife and their habitats.
  • Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Pay attention to animal signs, such as tracks, droppings, and vocalizations.
  • Keep Pets Leashed: Leashes protect both your pet and the wildlife.
  • Do Not Rescue Young Wildlife: Young animals that appear abandoned are often not. Their mothers are likely nearby foraging or waiting for you to leave. 
  • Pack out all trash: Leaving trash attracts animals and can be harmful to them.


Encountering Specific Wildlife

 

Bears

black bear wildlife

Bears are common in the Grand County area. Here's how to stay safe:

  • Make Noise: Hike in groups and talk or sing to alert bears to your presence.
  • If You See a Bear:
    • Stay calm and avoid running.
    • Back away slowly, keeping the bear in sight.
    • If the bear approaches, make yourself look large and make noise.
    • If attacked, use bear spray. If that fails, fight back.
  • Store Food Properly: Use bear-resistant containers when camping.

 

Moose

moose wildlife

Moose can be aggressive, especially during mating season or when protecting calves:

  • Give Them Space: Moose are large and can cover ground quickly. Maintain a large distance.
  • Watch for Signs of Aggression: Flattened ears, raised hair, and lip curling indicate a moose is agitated.
  • If a Moose Approaches:
    • Back away slowly.
    • If it charges, run and try to put an obstacle between yourself and the moose.

 

Mountain Lions

mountain lion wildlife

Mountain lion encounters are extremely rare but possible. Here's what to do:

  • Hike in Groups: Avoid hiking alone, especially at dawn, dusk, or night.
  • Make Noise: Talk or sing to alert mountain lions to your presence.
  • If You Encounter a Mountain Lion:
    • Stay calm and do not run.
    • Face the lion, stand tall, and make yourself look large.
    • If the lion behaves aggressively, throw rocks or branches.
    • If attacked, fight back.


Wolves

wolf wildlife

Wolf encounters in Grand County are extremely rare, as they are still repopulating certain areas of Colorado. However, it is good to be aware.

  • Observe from a Distance: If you see a wolf, observe it from a safe distance.
  • Do not approach or feed: Never attempt to approach or feed a wolf.
  • If a wolf approaches: Make yourself look large, and make noise. Back away slowly.

 

By following these guidelines, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable wildlife viewing experience in Granby. Remember, respecting wildlife is crucial for preserving the natural beauty of this remarkable area.

 

Additional Resources:

  • Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW): https://cpw.state.co.us/living-wildlife