While wildlife is common in the Pine Creek area, please do not encourage human/animal encounters by feeding the wildlife. Mice, rabbits, squirrels, skunks, raccoons, and other rodents can carry and spread disease via fleas, droppings, urine, nesting materials, and bites which can lead to problems with Hantavirus and Plague, Rabies, and Tularemia. Please do not leave garbage, pet food, or leftovers outside, and do not set out food for rabbits or squirrels. This both attracts wild animal and increases the chance of a harmful encounter, both for your home and those nearby.  

Most dangerous and potentially harmful encounters with wildlife occur because people fail to leave the animals alone.

It is illegal in Colorado to feed deer. Violators may be fined.

Learn more about living with wildlife and animal diseases at coloradosprings.gov/office-emergency-management/page/living-wildlife

Colorado Springs citizens can face a fine of up to $500  if they are cited for feeding wildlife, defined as “any undomesticated animal species including but not limited to bear, skunks, raccoon, wolf, coyote, fox, deer, elk, moose, or antelope. Wildlife does not include animals raised as livestock, domesticated pets, or birds.”

Feeding wildlife is already against state law, and the ordinance is meant to reinforce that law.

As urban deer populations in the city continue to grow, there are safety concerns. This growth not only brings in predators and increases the chances of animal/vehicle collisions, but it also increases the risk for the spread of disease.

The animals also become more comfortable around humans and feeding them might cause them to become more aggressive.

Leaving out hay, grain, minerals, salt or other foods for wild animals to eat is prohibited under the ordinance. The law would not apply to bird feeders, landscape elements, or persons running an animal shelter, education center or rescue.

You can read the City Ordinance at sterlingcodifiers.com/codebook/index.php?book_id=855&chapter_id=62711#s1310991

You can read about the State Law at ​cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/do-not-feed-wildlife.aspx

​KOAA's original article is at koaa.com/news/covering-colorado/2018/11/28/feeding-wildlife-could-now-cost-you-500-in-colorado-springs/