Wildlife sightings are frequently reported in Parker. Occasionally, sightings include mountain lions and coyotes.

In most situations, people and wildlife can coexist. The key is to respect the wildness of wildlife. Most dangerous and potentially harmful encounters occur because people fail to leave the animals alone. Wildlife should not be harassed, captured, domesticated or—in most cases—fed. Intentional or inadvertent feeding is the major cause of most wildlife problems, and it is illegal to feed wildlife in Colorado.

The Town of Parker has a brochure about Learning to Live with Wildlife. The Colorado Division of Wildlife also offers a lot of helpful information on what to do if you come in contact with a mountain lion or other wildlife. 

Coyotes are a fact of life in our area: they have adapted well to living in this environment and their numbers can't be impacted over the long-term by attempts to control or reduce their population. Under State regulations, coyotes can't be relocated to other areas. However, communities can safely coexist with coyotes if they are given the right tools.

Town staff has researched coyote issues and met with other regional agencies to share ideas on the topic. The Town implemented a Coyote Management Plan that offers solutions that can be implemented to reduce fear and conflicts people may have with coyotes and prescribes the Town's response when coyote activity could pose a safety risk to people. If you have questions about how to deal with coyotes in your area, please contact the Colorado Division of Wildlife or refer to their Web site.

The following are useful guides to coexisting with coyotes:
Coyotes - Learning to Live Together
Commonly Asked Questions
Exclusions, Deterrents and Repellents
Coyote Home Audit Checklist

Parker residents are encouraged to report coyote incidents immediately to the Police Department Animal Services Division. Safety is the Town's highest priority and reports of any coyote activity will be investigated and addressed according to the Coyote Management Plan.

To contact Animal Services, call the Police Department at 303.841.9800 or send an email.

For additional information on wildlife in Colorado visit the Colorado Division of Wildlife Web site.