Mother Nature and Pueblo West
Residents of the country usually experience more problems when the elements and earth turn unfriendly. Here are some thoughts for you to consider.
The physical characteristics of your property can be positive and negative. The topography of the land can tell you where the water will go in case of heavy precipitation. Pueblo West is known to experience very heavy rain in short periods of time. When property owners take it upon themselves to fill in ditches or ravines they have found that the water that drained through that ditch or ravine now drains through their house. Culverts are required in certain areas of Pueblo West in order to maintain drainage standards.
Nature can provide you with some wonderful neighbors. Rural development encroaches on the traditional habitat of eagles, coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, rattlesnakes, prairie dogs and other animals that can be dangerous and you need to know how to deal with them.
Many people who move to the rural areas of Colorado consider free roaming wildlife one of the most important assets to their property. Indeed, the abundance of wildlife species is one reason we enjoy Colorado’s rural areas. As we continue to share these areas with wildlife, the number of conflicts with our new neighbors increases. The key to "conflict resolution" is found in our ability to understand these animals and how we use that knowledge to reduce these tensions.
While most wildlife species are fascinating and may seem cute and friendly, they do not make good pets. Moreover, they tend to lose their survival edge when presented with opportunities that reward the animal for lessening its vigilance. Each year, well meaning individuals are injured or maimed by seemingly complacent or friendly wildlife that allow people to enter within the wild animal' "comfort" or "tolerance" zone. The best rule to follow is that wildlife is best viewed from a distance and to remember that most wildlife still considers humans as predators. Also, it is illegal to own or possess live wildlife as pets.
Most wildlife species are motivated by three natural instincts; these are a) survival, b) growth and c) reproduction. In order to accomplish any of the three, it must eat. Understanding this one simple fact should give humans the understanding needed to live and share similar habitats with wildlife. Handling your pets and trash properly may prevent problems for you and the wildlife.
Most human-wildlife conflicts are unintentional in nature and once understood, easily remedied. Through time, as wildlife species evolved, they learned how to make use of all available and consumable foods. New food sources, such as recently planted rose bushes or exotic trees will be sampled, and if palatable, consumed in a very short time. To a new landowner this may at first seem inconsequential or of little importance but in a short time may lead to the homeowners having to pay high replacement costs or giving up on a garden. Research and planning prior to planting may alleviate these problems. The best plants to use for landscaping purposes around a new home are those that are indigenous to the immediate area, are easily found by wildlife in the area near your home (if another source of the same vegetation is found in other places than immediately around your home, they won’t have to eat yours) and which do not offer a new and delectable food source. In Pueblo West, favorite landscaping plants include Pinon Pine, Yucca, Gambels Oak and Common Juniper. A list of suggested plants can be obtained from sources that include the Natural Resources Conservation Service of the Colorado State University Cooperative Extension Service. Information is also available from the Committee of Architecture.
Small wildlife species can cause problems of their own, be it skunks burrowing under your house, squirrels, prairie dogs, or rabbits eating your favorite garden vegetables. Each of these animals poses its own peculiar problem and each has its own solution. The best protection for small shrubs or trees is to encircle them with a suitable length of chicken or mesh wire or to fence the garden with like material. A simple leather belt thrown into a garden helps to keep birds out because it resembles a snake sunning himself. There are usually alternatives to dealing with wildlife in Pueblo West short of killing them. The best advice before you take any terminal action on any wildlife species not causing life-threatening problems is to call the Division of Wildlife Office of the local District Wildlife Manager or Wildlife Technician.
Most people do not realize that their dog(s) have a natural instinct to run after wildlife. In winter month’s dogs can run on top of crusted snow, but antelope and the occasional deer that may show up in Pueblo West break through, making them easy prey. Wildlife Officers and other law enforcement officers are empowered to shoot dogs chasing wildlife, and the fines for allowing a dog to harass wildlife can be substantial. The best place for your family pet is in a well-designed kennel or yard that allows plenty of exercise room. Pueblo County has a leash law, and it is enforced in Pueblo West. Maintaining control of your pets is good for everyone involved and for the wildlife as well.
Colorado's wildlife comes in various sizes, shapes and colors. Some you may never encounter or ever have a problem with. With proper planning and understanding, wildlife may never have a problem with you. Respecting their right to live in the area where you have now chosen to share with them can go a long way towards enjoying your piece of paradise.
