Colorado is home to some incredible—and sometimes misunderstood—wildlife. Learn how to recognize mountain lions, coyotes, and black bears, understand their behavior, and know what to do if you encounter one in the wild.
In this engaging, family-friendly program, participants will explore how to identify these three iconic Colorado predators through their appearance, tracks, sounds, behavior, and habitat. We’ll discuss what these animals are looking for when they enter human spaces and learn practical ways to reduce wildlife conflicts around our homes, gardens, and recreational areas.
What should you do if you see a mountain lion on the trail? How can you tell the difference between a coyote and a similar-looking wild canine? What should you do if you encounter a bear? We’ll work through realistic wildlife encounter scenarios so participants can practice making safe decisions.
The program will also introduce the concept of habituation—what happens when wild animals become accustomed to people—and why feeding, intentionally or accidentally, can create dangerous situations for both wildlife and humans.
Through hands-on activities, identification challenges, and wildlife encounter scenarios, participants will leave with a better understanding of Colorado’s predators and the knowledge to safely share our landscapes with them.