Wildlife can pose a threat to small pets!

The rich abundance of wildlife in Colorado, and in our area, is among the reasons we enjoy living here so much. Our proximity to Cherry Creek Reservoir and Park gives us many opportunities to observe a wide variety of animals and birds which, to most of us, is a real treat. However, for those of us who have small pets such as cats or small dogs (especially under 15 lbs.) there are some precautions we need to take to protect those special “members of the family.”

The major danger to such small pets is probably from coyotes, foxes and the protected Great Horned Owl. Fortunately, all of these predators tend to hunt at night, after dusk or in the early morning hours. At those times, you may want to keep your small pets indoors. If they must go out during those times, the Wildlife Foundation suggests that you accompany them, keeping them on a very short leash. Great Horned Owls, for example, dive swiftly and silently when they attack their prey.

While there have been very few incidents of pets being taken by wildlife, the danger is nevertheless present, so please use caution when letting your small pets out of the house, especially in the late evening and early morning.