Human effects on Fourteener wildlife are a very real concern. An increasing amount of scientific research shows that human visitors can have a dramatic effect on breeding, migration, and feeding patterns of wildlife. Elk fleeing from human onlookers indicate a pattern of avoidance. Casual encounters with gray jays (a.k.a. camp robbers) or ground squirrels in established campgrounds illustrate patterns of attraction. Black Bears, which are common throughout the Rocky Mountains, also demonstrate patterns of attraction towards humans. Bears that learn to associate humans with food are often relocated or killed to minimize their threat to human visitors. To avoid these unfortunate outcomes and enjoy the presence of wildlife on the Fourteeners, a few common sense minimum impact techniques should be employed.

  • Never Feed Wildlife
  • View Wildlife From a Distance
  • Do Not Disturb Nesting, Feeding, or Mating Animals
  • Keep Your Dog Under Control

Never Feed Wildlife

Feeding wildlife is a prevalent problem on Colorado’s Fourteeners. An emboldened marmot or mountain goat that approaches humans in search of food indicates the effect human food can have on wild animals. More subtle impacts also occur. Wildlife populations that increase during summer months based on a plentiful human food source, may crash in the fall when the numbers of visitors decrease. Exotic, non-native species may also gain a competitive advantage based on human feedings. The unintended result may be that native species are displaced from their preferred habitat. Individual animals may also suffer due to consumption of human food. Often, human food cannot be digested by wildlife. As such, wildlife can become malnourished by eating human food instead of their normal, nutrient rich, food sources. The animals weakened health will make them more susceptible to disease and predation.

Feeding wildlife is an easy problem to correct. By storing food securely, maintaining a clean campsite, and only feeding human food to humans, we each do our part to minimize the impact our presence has on Fourteener wildlife.

View Wildlife From a Distance

When viewing wildlife, never approach or follow them. Instead, quietly view wildlife from a distance. By approaching or following wildlife for a “better look,” you are endangering yourself and stressing the animals. This stress can be especially harmful to Fourteener animals. As an example, mountain goats’ survival during the winter months is dependent on their ability to eat plentiful amounts of food during the very short season when vegetation on Fourteeners is readily available for consumption. Stress brought on by humans can divert the goats’ energies away from eating this much-needed food. If an animal moves because of your presence, you are too close.

Do Not Disturb Nesting, Feeding, or Mating Animals

Studies have shown that disturbing mating or nesting animals can have long-lasting impacts on the health of individual animals and animal populations as a whole. Fourteener animals are particularly vulnerable during the winter and spring when energy is at a premium. Disturbing mountain goats, elk, or other Fourteener wildlife during these times threatens the survival of the animal and its young by forcing them to expend critical energy on activities other than food gathering and basic survival. Remember that you are the visitor in the animal’s domain. Minimize your impact on wildlife by respecting their space and avoiding them and their habitat during critical times of the year.

Keep Your Dog Under Control

A well-behaved and closely watched dog can be an excellent companion for a Fourteener climb. However, left uncontrolled, dogs can be a nuisance to other visitors and a threat to wildlife. Many Fourteeners have specific regulations regarding pets. Be sure you know and follow leash laws. More importantly, be sure that your dog is under control at all times – within sight and under voice or leash control. Dogs are not a natural part of an alpine environment. Alpine mammals evolved with canine predators, and the mere sight of a domestic dog causes them stress. When chasing wildlife, dogs threaten animals’ health and disturb the balance of existing predator/ prey relationships. Only bring your dog to Colorado’s high country if you are certain that your dog will follow your commands at all times. Otherwise, for the sake of your dog and the local wildlife, it is often best to leave your dog at home.