Wildlife Safety Guide

Essential protocols for safe wildlife viewing in Rocky Mountain National Park

60+ Mammal SpeciesSafe Viewing Distances24/7 Emergency: 911

Species-Specific Safety Protocols

ElkHigh Risk
Safety Distance: 75 feet (23 meters)
Peak Danger: Fall (September-October) during rutting season

Behavior Patterns

  • •Bulls become aggressive during rut, bugling and fighting for dominance
  • •Cows are protective of calves in spring and summer months
  • •Gather in large herds in meadows, especially Moraine Park and Horseshoe Park
  • •Most active at dawn and dusk

Warning Signs

  • ⚠Raised head with ears pinned back
  • ⚠Grinding teeth or loud vocalizations
  • ⚠Pawing the ground aggressively
  • ⚠Lowering antlers in your direction

If You Encounter Elk

  1. 1.Back away slowly and calmly - never run
  2. 2.Put trees or large objects between you and the elk
  3. 3.Never get between a cow and her calf
  4. 4.Give extra space to bulls during rutting season
  5. 5.If charged, seek shelter behind a vehicle or large object
MooseHigh Risk
Safety Distance: 120 feet (36 meters)
Peak Danger: Fall (rut) and spring (with calves)

Behavior Patterns

  • •Most dangerous large mammal in the park - unpredictable and aggressive
  • •Can charge without warning, especially cows with calves
  • •Often found near willows, wetlands, and water sources
  • •Excellent swimmers and surprisingly fast runners

Warning Signs

  • ⚠Ears laid flat against head
  • ⚠Raised hackles on neck and shoulders
  • ⚠Licking lips repeatedly
  • ⚠Tossing head side to side

If You Encounter Moose

  1. 1.Back away immediately - do not hesitate
  2. 2.Put large solid objects (trees, boulders, vehicles) between you and the moose
  3. 3.If charged, RUN - moose rarely pursue far
  4. 4.Get behind something substantial - moose can kick in all directions
  5. 5.Never approach calves or get between mother and offspring
Black BearHigh Risk
Safety Distance: 120 feet (36 meters)
Peak Danger: Spring (hungry after hibernation) and summer (with cubs)

Behavior Patterns

  • •Generally avoid humans but attracted to food and trash
  • •Most active at dawn and dusk while foraging
  • •Excellent climbers - can scale trees rapidly
  • •Hibernate in winter, emerge hungry in spring

Warning Signs

  • ⚠Huffing, jaw popping, or blowing sounds
  • ⚠Swatting the ground with paws
  • ⚠Bluff charges that stop short
  • ⚠Standing on hind legs (often just investigating, not always aggressive)

If You Encounter Black Bear

  1. 1.Stay calm and do NOT run (triggers chase instinct)
  2. 2.Make yourself appear large - raise arms, open jacket
  3. 3.Speak firmly in low, calm tones
  4. 4.Back away slowly while facing the bear
  5. 5.If attacked: FIGHT BACK aggressively - black bears can be intimidated
Mountain LionHigh Risk
Safety Distance: 150+ feet (45+ meters)
Peak Danger: Dawn and dusk (hunting hours)

Behavior Patterns

  • •Solitary, elusive hunters - rarely seen by humans
  • •Stalk prey (primarily deer and elk) from cover
  • •Most active during twilight hours
  • •Excellent climbers and jumpers

Warning Signs

  • ⚠Crouching posture with tail twitching
  • ⚠Intense, unblinking stare
  • ⚠Stalking or following behavior
  • ⚠Hissing or growling sounds

If You Encounter Mountain Lion

  1. 1.Do NOT run or turn your back (triggers predatory instinct)
  2. 2.Face the lion and maintain eye contact
  3. 3.Make yourself appear as large as possible
  4. 4.Back away slowly - never crouch or bend down
  5. 5.If attacked: Fight back with everything available - sticks, rocks, fists
Bighorn SheepModerate Risk
Safety Distance: 50 feet (15 meters)
Peak Danger: Fall (rutting season)

Behavior Patterns

  • •Found on rocky slopes, cliffs, and alpine areas
  • •Rams clash head-to-head during rutting season
  • •Generally tolerant of humans at appropriate distances
  • •Excellent climbers on steep, rocky terrain

Warning Signs

  • ⚠Lowering head and pawing ground
  • ⚠Aggressive posturing between rams
  • ⚠Blocking trails or refusing to move
  • ⚠Rams preparing to charge each other

If You Encounter Bighorn Sheep

  1. 1.Give ample space, especially during fall rutting season
  2. 2.Do not approach or touch lambs
  3. 3.Stay below them on slopes to avoid being in the fall zone
  4. 4.Move off trail to let them pass if they approach
  5. 5.Never get between fighting rams
CoyoteLow Risk
Safety Distance: 50 feet (15 meters)
Peak Danger: When habituated to humans or food sources

Behavior Patterns

  • •Usually wary and avoid human contact
  • •Hunt small mammals, rodents, and scavenge
  • •May become bold if fed by humans
  • •Active day and night, often heard howling

Warning Signs

  • ⚠Approaching without fear or hesitation
  • ⚠Not fleeing when people approach
  • ⚠Following people or pets
  • ⚠Aggressive behavior toward pets

If You Encounter Coyote

  1. 1.Haze aggressively: yell, wave arms, throw objects near (not at) the coyote
  2. 2.Never feed or attempt to approach
  3. 3.Keep pets on leash and close
  4. 4.Make yourself large and intimidating
  5. 5.Report bold or aggressive coyotes to rangers
Marmot & PikaLow Risk
Safety Distance: 15 feet (5 meters)
Peak Danger: Minimal (can bite if cornered or handled)

Behavior Patterns

  • •Alpine tundra residents above treeline
  • •Curious and may approach humans for food
  • •Carry diseases including plague
  • •Marmots hibernate in winter, pikas active year-round

Warning Signs

  • ⚠Approaching too closely
  • ⚠Aggressive chattering or alarm calls
  • ⚠Cornered with no escape route

If You Encounter Marmot & Pika

  1. 1.Do not feed - illegal and harmful to animals
  2. 2.Do not touch or attempt to handle
  3. 3.Enjoy and photograph from a respectful distance
  4. 4.Keep food secured to prevent habituation
  5. 5.Report sick or aggressive animals to rangers
Emergency Response

Emergency Contacts

  • Park Emergency: 911 or (970) 586-1399
  • Park Dispatch: (970) 586-1203
  • Wildlife Incident: Report immediately to rangers

After an Encounter

  1. 1. Report aggressive wildlife behavior to park rangers
  2. 2. Provide location, time, species, and behavior details
  3. 3. Seek medical attention for any injuries immediately
  4. 4. Document with photos if safe to do so

Bear Spray Guidelines

  • • Carry bear spray in backcountry (8-10 oz canister recommended)
  • • Keep accessible on belt or chest holster - NOT in backpack
  • • Deploy when bear is within 30-40 feet
  • • Aim slightly downward in front of approaching bear
  • • Create a cloud barrier between you and the bear
  • • Practice with inert training canisters before your trip
Seasonal Wildlife Behavior

Spring (April-June)

Bears emerging from hibernation are extremely hungry. Elk and moose have newborn calves - mothers are highly protective. Increased wildlife activity across the park.

Summer (July-August)

High visitor traffic increases encounter probability. Bears foraging constantly. Stay alert on popular trails and maintain awareness of surroundings.

Fall (September-October)

ELK & MOOSE RUT: Bulls are extremely aggressive and unpredictable. Best wildlife viewing season but highest danger period. Exercise extreme caution.

Winter (November-March)

Wildlife conserving energy. Do not stress animals as it causes dangerous energy loss. Fewer encounters but still maintain proper distances.

What NOT to Do
❌Never feed wildlife - illegal, dangerous, and habituates animals
❌Never approach for photos/selfies - maintain safe distances
❌Never get between mother and offspring - extremely dangerous
❌Never run from predators - triggers chase instinct
❌Never corner or trap animals - leave escape routes
❌Never make sudden movements near wildlife - stay calm