Spring can be difficult for Colorado's wildlife and the best way to help is by keeping your distance.
Food sources aren't fully replenished, which means wildlife still need to conserve energy to survive. Human activities can displace animals into less desirable habitats and cause them to burn precious calories. It’s a good idea to avoid areas where wildlife are concentrated. Keep dogs on leashes and confine recreation and off road vehicles to designated trails and roadways.
It's also important to leave baby animals alone, even if they appear to be abandoned. For example, deer fawns and elk calves are born with natural camouflage and a lack of scent. In the first few days of their lives, the newborns are not mobile enough to travel with their mothers. As a defensive tactic, the mothers will often leave the young animals alone for long periods of time. During this crucial period the mothers will still visit the newborns at least twice a day to feed them. After a few days, the fawns and calves are usually strong enough to join the herd.
If you are concerned about an animal, don't touch it and contact your local CPW office. For more information about encountering wildlife, see Living With Wildlife.