FAQs  (Frequently Asked Questions)

 

• What kinds of wildlife can I expect to see here in Willowbrook?

 

Willowbrook is truly a sanctuary along the Front Range—providing a safe space for wildlife to live and raise their young.  We regularly see Mule Deer, Bears, Coyotes, Bobcats, Racoons, Snakes, and occasionally Mountain Lions.  Some are full-time residents, while others are on their annual seasonal migration through the neighborhood.

 

Willowbrook is a substantial habitat for all kinds of Birds!  You can frequently see year-round residents like Red Tailed Hawks, Great Horned Owls, Kestrels, Robins, Magpies, Crows, Ravens, Woodpeckers, House Wrens, Spotted Towhees, Blue Jays, and Nuthatches.

 

Seasonal bird migrations include Dark-Eyed Juncos, Western Tanagers, Cedar Waxwings, Bullocks Oriole, American Goldfinch, and many more!

 

Here is a Bird Checklist for Jefferson County:  https://www.jeffco.us/DocumentCenter/View/11799/JCOSBirdingBrochure?bidId=

 

• What do I do if I see a Bear?

 

First, count yourself lucky to be seeing a native Colorado animal in its natural habitat!  Although these animals may seem intimidating, they are naturally shy and generally avoid humans.  However, they are actively looking for food sources and they can be a danger to people and pets if we get too close.  

 

Colorado Black Bears (which can also be brown or cinnamon in color) are vital members of our ecosystem and are seasonal visitors to Willowbrook.  It's our responsibility to take measures so bears do not become habituated to finding food in Willowbrook, at the same time, respecting their seasonal migrations.

 

To keep everyone out of harm's way, (including the bears!) Colorado Parks & Wildlife recommends taking these precautions at your home, especially during Bear Season (April through November):

• Please don't leave trash cans with food remnants, bird seed, or pet bowls/food outside, especially overnight.

• Bring bird feeders and hummingbird feeders inside at night.

• Clean barbecue grills after each use.

• Remove food containers or anything fragrant from your vehicle

• If you see a bear near your home:

• From a safe distance, make noise to let the bear know you are there.  Use pots & pans, your voice, bright lights, a radio, or an air-horn.  The bear will most likely wander on his or her way.

• Keep your pets on a leash.

• Do not attempt to spray or make any kind of contact with the bear. 

• Bears are active at night to avoid human contact. Be aware if you are outside at dawn, dusk, and after dark.

Please do not call Animal Control (they handle domesticated animals only) or Colorado Parks & Wildlife unless the animal is displaying abnormal behaviors.  If the animal is simply observed in your area, just leave it alone.  For more information, please see the Colorado Parks & Wildlife website:https://cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/LivingwithWildlifeWildBears.aspx

 

If you have concerns, we encourage residents to contact their neighbors or the Willowbrook Wildlife Committee.  Many residents have a long history of living in harmony with Willowbrook Wildlife and are readily available for advice!

 

• What do I do if I see a Coyote, Bobcat or Mountain Lion?  (See Above)

 

These animals are residents and seasonal visitors to Willowbrook.  Use the precautions above to keep your family and your pets safe, otherwise, just let them go on their way.

 

• Can I feed the deer?

 

NO!  Please do not feed any of the wild animals.  (Bird feeders are the exception). By allowing the wildlife to associate your home as a food source, it endangers the animal, you, and your pets.  Wildlife have their own special digestive and immune systems that can be compromised, sometimes fatally, if given human food scraps.

 

• Can I feed the birds?

 

Yes! Feeding the birds is fine, but please keep these tips in mind:

 

--Birdfeeders also attract predators like bears and snakes, so we recommend keeping them inside at night and removing them from April—November (Bear Season).

 

--Clean your bird feeders!  Parasites and bacteria can be fatal to birds, especially migratory birds.

 

--Don’t put red dye or food coloring in your hummingbird feeders, which can be harmful to hummingbirds.

 

• What do I do if I see an abandoned animal?

 

Abandoned animals and birds are often not abandoned at all!  Especially with Deer and Fawns, their mothers often hide little ones in shrubbery while they forage for food nearby.  If you suspect something is really wrong, please contact Colorado Parks & Wildlife or a Wildlife Rehabilitation organization for help.

 

• I have a wildlife nuisance!  Should I call an exterminator or Animal Control?

 

Generally, we would recommend not.  Keep in mind that you are living within the animal’s natural habitat.  Even mice, voles, bats, snakes, and insects are vital components of a balanced ecosystem—all interdependent.  For example, Hawks, Owls, Coyotes, and other animals depend on mice and voles for their food supply.  We recommend not using rodent poison or other toxic chemicals, because it could poison many other animals in the process.  If you have a specific infestation or problem, please contact a humane wildlife removal company like Wildlife Inc. in Morrison.

 

Jefferson County Animal Control Officers do not handle nuisance wildlife problems or rodent issues (mice, rats, etc.); however, there are many resources available, nonprofit and for-profit, to manage the situation. Additionally, Animal Control Officers do not handle any calls involving large game, such as elk and deer.

 

• The deer are eating my flowers!  What should I do?

 

Deer are voracious plant eaters, but we can plant things that the deer generally don’t like to eat.  Check out PlantSelect.org and High Country Gardens on the web.  You can search for deer-resistant native plants specifically for our area.  Also see our article on “Gardening in Deer Country” on our website www.willowbrookwildlife.net

 

• Is hunting allowed in Willowbrook?

 

NO!  Hunting animals of any kind is prohibited in Willowbrook, Willow Springs, and our surrounding area.  Wildlife poaching is a felony offense in Colorado.  If you see any suspicious activity, call Operation Game Thief at 1-877-265-6648 or email game.thief@state.co.us

 

• What do I do if I see an injured or dead animal?

 

Unfortunately, even though it’s difficult to witness an animal suffering, often the best thing to do is to let nature take its course.  The animal will either heal or pass away and become part of the cycle of life for other animals’ sustenance, including coyotes, mountain lions, turkey vultures, and ravens.  

 

If you do have a wildlife emergency, please don’t approach the animal yourself—injured animals can be dangerous or carry diseases.  

 

Please report all auto-wildlife collisions to Colorado State Patrol.

 

Please report all wildlife injuries to Colorado Parks & Wildlife.

 

Jefferson County Animal Control (Phone: 303-271-5070) often removes stray, dead wildlife from the road or residential / commercial property as a courtesy to citizens if the wildlife weighs less than 100 pounds. On private property, it is the owners’ responsibility to have the animal removed.  There are private companies that do this in our area, or contact Jeffco Road & Bridge for referrals.

 

If you feel the animal is in need of assistance and can be helped,

please see next page for a list of Wildlife Emergency Contacts.