The Wintering Wildlife Conservation Initiative asks Coloradans and visitors to avoid disturbing wildlife during the winter season
At the January 2025 Parks and Wildlife Commission meeting, a new Colorado-grown initiative was recognized with the 2024 Starburst Award by the Colorado Lottery. The TRCP joins in praising and supporting the Wintering Wildlife Conservation Initiative, which empowers recreationists to enjoy time on wintry public lands while taking simple actions to minimize impacts on wildlife during Colorado’s coldest months.
The WWCI encourages all winter recreationists—from casual dog walkers to backcountry skiers and snowmobilers—to give wildlife space, be aware of seasonal habitat closures, and be prepared to alter plans if they encounter wildlife or wildlife sign when recreating. WWCI’s focus on winter recreation is due to the fact that wildlife are particularly vulnerable to human disturbance while on winter ranges, which are often at lower elevations where they encounter more people, vehicle traffic, rail lines, and human development.
Colorado big game species, including elk, pronghorn, mule deer, and bighorn sheep, become stressed during winter months due to reduced access to forage and refuge. When tough winter conditions and other disturbances push their body reserves too far, their ability to survive into the following season is reduced, and the chances that females successfully raise their offspring plummet. Human disturbance on winter ranges can also push wildlife onto private lands or into transportation corridors, increasing roadkill and game damage on private lands. Minimizing impacts to big game herds through the winter better prepares them for their seasonal migration to spring and summer grounds.
“TRCP members and the vast majority of Coloradans care deeply about wildlife all year-round, but research in Colorado continues to show how sensitive wildlife are in winter and early spring,” said Liz Rose, Colorado program manager for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “It takes all of us to ensure that Colorado’s wildlife can survive and thrive. By being cognizant of sensitive habitats; a little more patient and careful when we encounter wildlife; and a little more prepared with a Plan B and C when we encounter wildlife, we can collectively reduce our impacts and still enjoy the best that our snowy months have to offer.”
For more information about the WWCI and how you, your business, or your organization can become involved, please visit winteringwildlife.org or contact info@winteringwildlife.com. A social posting toolkit for individuals, businesses, and organizations interested in spreading awareness on reducing wildlife disruption in the sensitive winter months is available on the website.
Photo credit: Larry Lamsa
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