With holiday festivities ramping up, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is reminding residents to decorate responsibly to avoid accidental harm to local wildlife.
Protecting Wildlife During Rutting Season
As homes across Colorado light up with holiday cheer, male deer are in the midst of rutting season, their annual mating period. During this time, bucks often rub their antlers against objects to mark their territory or attract mates. Unfortunately, this behavior can lead to entanglement with unsecured decorations.
Rachael Gonzales, Public Information Officer for CPW’s Northwest Region, highlighted the risks:
“It’s not even just Christmas decorations. Maybe it’s your tennis nets, or tire swings—anything that’s hanging or dangling can become a problem for wildlife.”
Tips for Safe Decorating
To reduce risks to wildlife, CPW advises homeowners to ensure decorations are securely fastened. Here are a few specific precautions:
- Tighten Loose Strings: Decorations like inflatable light strings should be snugly secured to prevent snagging.
- Avoid Dangling Objects: Items hanging freely, such as garlands or nets, should be avoided outdoors.
- Inspect Regularly: Periodically check your yard for potential hazards, especially after windy weather.
What to Do if Wildlife Gets Entangled
Even with precautions, entanglements may occur. CPW advises residents not to attempt a rescue themselves but to immediately contact their local CPW office for assistance. This ensures the animal’s safety and reduces risks to people.
Raising Awareness
CPW hopes to encourage thoughtful decorating practices through this reminder, ensuring that wildlife and humans can enjoy a harmonious holiday season. This small effort can help prevent unnecessary harm to deer and other animals during a sensitive time of year.
