Urban Wildlife

Bat in Jeffco tests positive for rabies

Submitted by Anonymous on Tuesday, May 8th, 10:57 am

Press Release

Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) received its first rabies-positive test result this year from a bat specimen submitted to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment laboratory for testing on May 7, 2012.

Thus far this year, JCPH has submitted 31 animals for rabies testing including, 3 raccoons, 6 skunks, 12 dogs, 7 cats, 2 bats and a squirrel.

The rabies positive bat was found by a homeowner near a window well in Littleton, Colorado. The bat was dead when found and no human exposure is known to have occurred.

JCPH reminds residents and pet owners of the importance of keeping livestock, dogs, cats and ferrets up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations and taking additional precautions to prevent rabies exposure.

The rabies virus is found in the saliva of an infected animal. The virus can be transmitted when a rabid animal bites or scratches another animal or person.

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Car vs. wildlife collisions spike during autumn

Submitted by Anonymous on Monday, October 17th, 12:55 pm

DENVER -- The Colorado Department of Transportation is warning drivers to be especially aware of wildlife on roadways this time of year.

Over the past ten years, CDOT has seen an average of 3,300 reported wildlife vs. vehicle collisions each year, and those numbers tend to spike during fall migration season.

"As Colorado has an abundance of deer and elk, as well as other wildlife, that live near our urban and rural areas, motorists need to be aware that they can cross our roads without warning at most any time of day or night," said Colorado State Patrol Chief Colonel James Wolfinbarger.

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Quick thinking teacher properly disposes of rabid bat

Submitted by Anonymous on Wednesday, August 17th, 1:52 pm

A rabid bat was discovered at Drake Middle School in Arvada, Monday, August 15, 2011. The bat was discovered in an empty classroom by a teacher preparing for the start of school. The teacher, following proper procedure, immediately closed the door and went to inform the onsite school resource officer, who then called Animal Control. The bat later tested positive for rabies making it the fifth in the county this season.

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Metro Denver's Top Wildlife Attractions

Submitted by Anonymous on Monday, August 15th, 10:21 am

DENVER, CO – Early inhabitants of the Rocky Mountain Front Range shared the land with herds of free-roaming buffalo, and even now Denver’s Genesee Park boasts the only city-owned free roaming bison herd in the world. But that’s only the start of a Mile High City safari.

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Mountain lion populations on the Front Range focus of study

Submitted by MetroNorth News... on Tuesday, March 8th, 10:49 am

Linda Detroy Alexander/Golden Transcript

Reports of mountain lions in neighborhoods and near schools in the Golden area have many residents wondering just how many of the cats are in the area. There's no good way to estimate the number, but Colorado Department of Wildlife researcher Mat Alldredge is working on it.

Alldredge will provide an update on a five-year study he is conducting on mountain lions in the Front Range region during a free presentation at the American Mountaineering Center, 710 10th St. The program will be 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 10.

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Living with fowl weather friends

Submitted by Anonymous on Monday, December 27th, 11:34 am

Winter is back and so are the geese.

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See Denver Botanic Gardens in a different light this holiday season

Submitted by Anonymous on Tuesday, November 16th, 12:25 pm

Press Release

DENVER -- See Denver Botanic Gardens in a different light this holiday season as it is transformed into a winter wonderland at Blossoms of Light.

This spectacular display of more than 1 million colorful lights will be draped in elegant designs throughout the Gardens, illuminating the plants, trees and hardscape features. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) make up more than a third of this year’s display, reflecting the Gardens’ commitment to conservation and sustainability.