wildlife in CO springs (Denver: apartment, high school, living in)

[hpicracing]

Hi,
I'm planning on living in an apartment in the Briargate area but have heard there are coyotes and wildlife around. I'm concerned about my 2 yorkies if they'd be safe to take for a walk on a leash being they're so small? Will the wildlife leave other animals alone if a human is with them?
Thanks

[Mike from back east]

Yes, safe for a walk on a leash. Never heard of attacks while humans are present. Pepper spray would be good just in case.

Don't let them out alone at night, they might be a meal for large foxes or any coyote, and they are in the area. They aren't even safe in a fenced yard at night, the fox and coyote use 6-8 foot walls as seating areas. Same advice for cat owners.

[hpicracing]

Originally Posted by Mike from back east

Yes, safe for a walk on a leash. Never heard of attacks while humans are present. Pepper spray would be good just in case.
Don't let them out alone at night, they might be a meal for large foxes or any coyote, and they are in the area. They aren't even safe in a fenced yard at night, the fox and coyote use 6-8 foot walls as seating areas. Same advice for cat owners.

Thanks, as long as I can walk them on a leash safely that's all I need. The pepper spray is a good idea... I'll be sure to remember that.
I definitely would never let my dogs out alone so no need to worry about that.

[treedonkey]

Originally Posted by hpicracing

Thanks, as long as I can walk them on a leash safely that's all I need. The pepper spray is a good idea... I'll be sure to remember that.
I definitely would never let my dogs out alone so no need to worry about that.

While pepper spray is definitely a good idea to help deter any HUMAN predator that you could possibly encounter along the trail (not to sound paranoid, but it's a fact of life) it will do little, if anything, to guard your dogs against hungry animals. Unless you have a very large, high powered canister (illegal in most states, not sure about CO) it is highly unlikely that you could target an animal on the hunt. I'm not saying not to carry it, but just don't rely on it too much.

Your dog's best defense is you. Almost any wild animal would be too threatened by your to go for for the kill on your leashed pups. Leaving the dogs unattended or letting them off leash is another matter entirely.

[hpicracing]

Originally Posted by treedonkey

While pepper spray is definitely a good idea to help deter any HUMAN predator that you could possibly encounter along the trail (not to sound paranoid, but it's a fact of life) it will do little, if anything, to guard your dogs against hungry animals. Unless you have a very large, high powered canister (illegal in most states, not sure about CO) it is highly unlikely that you could target an animal on the hunt. I'm not saying not to carry it, but just don't rely on it too much.

Your dog's best defense is you. Almost any wild animal would be too threatened by your to go for for the kill on your leashed pups. Leaving the dogs unattended or letting them off leash is another matter entirely.

Well, as far as human predators go... I'm definitely not worried about that.
If I can take my dogs out on a leash safely, that's all I'm concerned about. I wouldn't ever leave them unattended or take them off their leash.
Thanks!

[Vision67]

Originally Posted by hpicracing

Hi,
I'm planning on living in an apartment in the Briargate area but have heard there are coyotes and wildlife around. I'm concerned about my 2 yorkies if they'd be safe to take for a walk on a leash being they're so small? Will the wildlife leave other animals alone if a human is with them?
Thanks

I live in Briargate near Rampart Park and we have 2 small dogs. I frequently see both coyotes and foxes and we always keep the dogs on a leash. So far we have had no problems, but I have worried that the coyotes may jump our fence. Also there are sometimes large eagles, hawks and owls roosting in the trees near the creek on the edge of the park but I think they mostly feed on mice. To date I've had no problems with the raptors.

My wife has a friend who lost her small terrier to a coyote in Palmer park last year. That dog was not on a leash and was snatched away and killed instantly by the coyote.

So as long as you don't let your dogs run wild, you should be OK. However, there is always a risk. Several dogs in the Denver area were killed by coyotes last year.

[Mike from back east]

For the sake of the OP, here's what Rampart Park and area look like, i.e., fully suburban; point is you don't have to live way out in rural areas to have foxes and coyotes around. This is a really fine area in the Briargate area.

Rampart High School (Union Blvd and Lexington Dr).



Housing area around Rampart HS with Rampart Dog Park in foreground.



Rampart Dog Park

[ColoradoButterfly75]

People have dogs everywhere here, and truthfully, I haven't heard of even one coyote attack yet - of course I have only been a resident for a short while in the Springs - spent 2 years in Denver, but news travels. There is wildlife everywhere - but I have been told (or rather warned) about the mountain lions in the mountains being the biggest threat compared to any down low where you will be living. No worries. Your babies will let you know and bark their little ears deaf if one is near. My beagle did when he would see one. Welcome to the Springs! Your dogs will love it here!! Very dog friendly city!

[Kar54]

Originally Posted by ColoradoButterfly75

People have dogs everywhere here, and truthfully, I haven't heard of even one coyote attack yet - of course I have only been a resident for a short while in the Springs - spent 2 years in Denver, but news travels. There is wildlife everywhere - but I have been told (or rather warned) about the mountain lions in the mountains being the biggest threat compared to any down low where you will be living. No worries. Your babies will let you know and bark their little ears deaf if one is near. My beagle did when he would see one. Welcome to the Springs! Your dogs will love it here!! Very dog friendly city!

I’ve lived here all of my life and never realized the dangers that exist right here in town. My sheltie was killed by a coyote/wolf hybrid just last month. Took her by the neck and shook her like a rag doll until her neck was broken and stared me down in the process. It happened while I watched under the floodlights of my front yard. It was all over in less than 60 seconds. Heed the warnings of others on this post and be careful. My dog could easily have been a child.

[SheridanL]

How sad Kar. I am sorry for your loss.