Who do I contact about wildlife issues?

The Living with Wildlife Advisory Board (LWAB) is your resource for conflict with wildlife in La Plata County. In most situations,people and wildlife can coexist. Frequently, there are simple steps and non-evasive methods to deter wildlife from damaging your property.

To report bear sightings, non-trash bear incidents, and trash accessed by bears call: 

La Plata County Bear Hotline 970-247-BEAR (2327)

Other helpful telephone numbers:

The following links provide easy-to-read information about a variety of wildlife species that may be encountered in La Plata County.

• Links to Colorado Parks & Wildlife information:  CPW

• Link to the Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management

• Link to Bear Smart Durango

Links to Nonlethal Management Methods:

• Link to the Get Bear Smart Society

• Article in Science Daily, December 2003

• Link to USDA Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center 

Links to raccoon information:

• Link to UC Davis – UC Integrated Pest Management Program (Raccoons) 

Links to Hantavirus-Deer Mouse:

• Center for Disease Control (CDC)  fact sheet on the Hantavirus:

CPW web links:
Mammals:

• Developing with Wildlife in Mind

• Bats & Rabies

• Beaver Problems

• Don't Feed the Deer - Helping Deer

• Living with Bears in Colorado 

• Living with Wolves in Colorado 

• Living with Wildlife in Coyote Country 

• Living with Wildlife in Mountain Lion Country

• Living with Wildlife in Moose Country

Birds:

• Living with Wildlife - The Canada Goose 

• Living with Wildlife - Woodpeckers Begin Springtime Drumming

Living With Wildlife Management Options:

• A Case for Not Domesticating Our Wildlife - Don't Domesticate

• Don't be tempted to Feed Wildlife

• CPW publication: Fencing with Wildlife in Mind

Pets:

• Pets - Don't Turn it Loose

• Too Close for Comfort: Avoiding Conflicts with Wildlife in the City