Rattlesnakes, Mountain Lions and Other Trail Neighbors: A Practical Safety Guide

You are the visitor

The open space around Castle Rock is not a park in the city-block sense. It is habitat. Deer, coyotes, rattlesnakes, rock squirrels and mountain lions all live in the same foothills and prairies where we walk dogs and push strollers. Most encounters are brief and harmless, and nearly all of them end well if people behave calmly and give the animal room to leave.

This guide summarizes advice from Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the agency that manages the state's wildlife, and turns it into a short list of habits. It is not a substitute for the agency's own pages, which are the source for current rules.

Prairie rattlesnakes

The prairie rattlesnake is the venomous snake you are most likely to meet on the open prairie and foothills near Castle Rock. It is most active in warm months, often at dawn and dusk, and it likes rocks, brush and sun-warmed trails. A rattlesnake is not looking for a fight. Most bites happen when someone steps on a snake, reaches into a hiding spot, or tries to handle or kill it.

• Watch where you step and where you put your hands, especially near rocks and woodpiles.
• Stay on the trail and avoid tall grass where you cannot see the ground.
• Keep dogs on a short leash, because many bites involve curious dogs.
• If you hear a rattle, freeze, locate the snake and back away slowly.
• Keep at least five feet between you and the snake, and never try to move it.

A rattlesnake that is left alone will usually move on. If someone is bitten, stay calm, keep the limb still and call 911. Do not apply ice, cut the wound or use a tourniquet; those old remedies make things worse.

Mountain lions

Mountain lions live along the Front Range, and sightings happen in open space and sometimes near homes. They are shy, and attacks on people are rare, but the advice is worth knowing. Hike in groups, keep children close and in sight, and avoid trails at dawn and dusk when lions are most active.

Running can trigger a chase instinct, which is why every wildlife agency says to stand your ground and back away slowly. Report aggressive behavior or a lion near homes to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Coyotes, deer and the rest

Coyotes are common and usually avoid people, but they can be bold around unattended pets. Keep small dogs close, and never leave pet food outside. Deer and elk can be dangerous in spring and fall, when females protect young or males are in rut. Give them plenty of room, and never feed any wildlife.

Bears live in Douglas County too. If you live near open space, secure trash cans, take down bird feeders in warm months and keep grills clean. A bear that gets a food reward often returns, and that rarely ends well for the bear.

A short trail checklist

1. Tell someone your route and your expected return time.
2. Carry water, a charged phone and a small first-aid kit.
3. Leave headphones out of at least one ear so you can hear.
4. Keep dogs on a leash, and carry bags for their waste.
5. Leave wildlife alone, and give it an exit.