COLORADO SPRINGS — As more Coloradans take advantage of hiking trails during COVID-19, staying away from other hikers may not be your only problem.
Colorado Parks & Wildlife are reminding all hikers to be aware of their surroundings when they hike, as many animals will become more active and frequent in the coming weeks.
CPW warns that bears are coming out of hibernation, while deer haves fawns and more snakes are becoming active.
"You need to give animals their space and not get too close to them," said Frank Moore, from Colorado Parks and Wildlife. "Don't try to pick them up. Don"t try to harass them or move them. Rattlesnakes, rattle to make noise, to give you a warning, to let you know that they want you to back up."
Wildlife experts say that if can't cover the animal with your thumb in your sight of vision, you are too close and need to back away. They are also reminding the community to not leave food or trash around the house, as wildlife will come into your space to eat it.
