Wildlife Feeding: Colorado Springs vs Manitou Springs
How do wildlife feeding rules compare between Colorado Springs, CO and Manitou Springs, CO?
Manitou Springs has fewer restrictions than Colorado Springs.
Colorado Springs, CO
El Paso County
Colorado Springs strictly prohibits intentional feeding of bears, mountain lions, deer, elk, coyotes, raccoons, and foxes under City Code Chapter 6 Article 7 and Colorado Parks and Wildlife rules (CRS 33-6-131). Bird feeders must be seasonally managed (taken down April 15 through November 15) in bear country or brought in nightly to prevent attracting bears.
View full Colorado Springs rules →Manitou Springs, CO
El Paso County
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.
View full Manitou Springs rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Colorado Springs | Manitou Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Prohibited Species | Bears, lions, deer, elk, coyotes | - |
| Bird Feeder Window | April 15 to November 15 restricted | - |
| Trash Rules | Bear-resistant containers in WUI | - |
| State Law | CRS 33-6-131 | C.R.S. §33-6-131 |
| Report Violations | CPW and COS 311 | - |
| Bear Active | - | April 15 - Nov 15 |
| Trash | - | Bear-resistant or garage |
| Enforcement | - | CPW + county code |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Colorado Springs FAQ
Can I put out a salt lick for deer in my Colorado Springs yard?
No. Deer feeding including salt licks, corn, and commercial feed is prohibited. The city and CPW both enforce because concentrated deer attract mountain lions and create vehicle-collision hotspots.
Do I have to take down bird feeders in Colorado Springs?
In bear country (Skyway, Mountain Shadows, Cedar Heights, Broadmoor) bird feeders must be removed April 15 to November 15 or brought in nightly. Hummingbird feeders with sugar water are exempt but should be cleaned regularly.
Manitou Springs FAQ
Who enforces wildlife feeding rules in El Paso County?
El Paso County's code enforcement division is responsible for animals ordinances. You can report violations or request information through the El Paso County government website or by calling the main municipal line.
What are typical penalties for violating wildlife feeding rules?
Most El Paso County animals violations start with a written warning followed by escalating civil fines for repeat offenses. Specific dollar amounts and any criminal-misdemeanor exposure depend on the section of code; consult El Paso County's municipal code or staff for the current penalty schedule.
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