Colorado C.R.S. §33-6-131 prohibits intentional feeding of big game (deer, elk, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, moose, bears) statewide. El Paso County follows this. Bear-attractant rules apply especially in mountain and foothill neighborhoods near Pikes Peak.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) enforces statewide prohibition on intentional feeding of big game and bears under C.R.S. §33-6-131. In El Paso County — particularly in the western mountain communities (Manitou Springs, Cascade, Green Mountain Falls, Woodland Park area, Black Forest, and the Cheyenne Canyon/NW foothills) — bear conflicts are common. Bird feeders must be taken down or hung 10+ feet high and 4+ feet from any structure from April 15 through November 15 when bears are active. Trash must be secured in bear-resistant containers or stored in a garage until morning of pickup. Pet food, BBQ grills, hummingbird feeders (high sugar attracts bears), and compost piles attract wildlife and may constitute unintentional feeding. Coyote feeding is strongly discouraged due to habituation risks (Colorado Springs had several coyote attacks on pets in 2022-2023). Feral cat colony management requires coordination with Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region. Violations reported to CPW Colorado Springs office or county code enforcement.
First offense intentional feeding of big game: up to $100 fine and 5 license suspension points (C.R.S. §33-6-131). Second offense: up to $200 fine and 10 license points. Repeated violations involving bears: Class 2 misdemeanor in some circumstances. Attractant violations during bear active season: $50-$500 municipal fines.
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