Wildlife Interactions

Discover the diverse wildlife of Rollins Pass and learn essential tips for safe wildlife interactions with animals, both large and small.

Rollins Pass is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, moose, bear, and mountain lion, as well as smaller creatures like porcupines, marmots, pine squirrels, chipmunks, mice, voles, gophers, shrews, pikas, and numerous bird species. The presence of these animals should be appreciated with a digital or optical zoom lens and never up close. Likely the top two large animal interactions visitors to Rollins Pass may experience are moose and bear. Those interactions are likely to occur at or below timberline (tree line), which on Rollins Pass is approximately 11,250 feet on Rollins Pass West and 11,050 on Rollins Pass East. Through videos and insights from authoritative sources such as Leave No Trace, Colorado Parks & Wildlife, and REI (among others), you’ll learn what to do—and what not to do—to ensure safe wildlife interactions in the Rollins Pass area. All wild animals are unpredictable: do not approach.

To keep yourself and bears safe, always store your food properly. If storing food in a vehicle, use airtight containers and place them in the trunk or out of sight. Close vehicle windows completely (and your sunroof, too!) and lock your doors. Pack out all garbage. Feeding wildlife is illegal.

From the National Park Service: Seeing a bear or mountain lion is rare, and interactions are even more rare. Travel in groups. If you see a bear or mountain lion, stop, stay calm, and back away slowly. Never approach wildlife or turn your back and run. Stand tall and look large. Raise your arms and make noise. Protect small children by picking them up.

If an animal changes its behavior because of you, you’re too close!
This includes behaviors like fleeing, hiding, showing aggression, approaching you to beg, or simply watching you.

WILDLIFE INTERACTIONS: THE RULE OF THUMB

The rule of thumb for wildlife encounters is to extend your arm fully and give a thumbs up. Then close one eye. If you can cover the entire animal with your thumb, you’re at a safe distance. If the animal is larger than your thumb, you’re too close and should back away.

MOOSE

While dogs must be leashed in wilderness areas, most moose encounters on Rollins Pass are likely to occur in non-wilderness zones. However, it’s still wise to keep your dog leashed, as dogs and moose do not get along. Moose can also run at speeds of up to 35 MPH.

Moose are generally unhurried and take their time. If a moose is blocking your path, back away slowly while keeping an eye on it. On several occasions, including on a hike with the State Archaeologist a few years ago, we’ve encountered moose blocking the trail for up to 30 minutes with no way to bypass them. In such situations, patience is essential, or you should have an alternative plan for your hike. Avoid harassing moose—these animals are not intimidated by vehicles and may hold their ground, potentially charging if they feel threatened.

This page from the Alaska Department of Fish & Game has a stellar resource on aggressive moose.

BEAR

MOUNTAIN LION

Most mountain lion sightings occur in the areas of Nederland, Rollinsville, and Tolland, located near the eastern side of Rollins Pass. Although mountain lions are present in Grand County, their sightings are less frequent on the western side of Rollins Pass compared to these eastern regions. This suggests that while encounters are possible throughout the area, the eastern side has a higher likelihood of mountain lion activity.

ELK

Elk are large, unpredictable animals capable of causing serious injury or even death. During the rut season (typically from mid-September through mid-October), bull elk become particularly aggressive. Approaching too closely may lead them to perceive you as a threat, prompting a dangerous charge. Stay vigilant, maintain awareness of your surroundings, and always keep a minimum distance of 75 feet—or about the length of two buses—between you and any elk.

RESPECT WILDLIFE

Enjoy wildlife at a distance.
Never feed wildlife, no matter how cute and friendly they may appear or how closely they approach you. Resist the urge to feed them—even if they beg.
A carry-in/carry-out bear-resistant food storage canister is recommended for non-wilderness areas and is required April-October for all wilderness sites below treeline.
If you have an open-top or open-door vehicle, be sure to pack any food or food-related trash with you.
Don’t pick wildflowers. If it’s tempting, remember: wildflowers start wilting almost immediately once they’ve been picked—they are not as robust or resilient as store-bought flowers. Please leave them for others to enjoy, where they can brighten the landscape and enrich the foreground of photographs.
Minimize noise especially around wildlife.
Avoid sensitive habitat.
Remember: animals that become dependent on being fed by humans will likely lead to the animal being rehomed or destroyed.

The primary purpose of our work is to inform the public.