COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – For everyone who has carved pumpkins this Halloween season, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is sharing what you should do with them now that the season is coming to a close.
Wildlife officials said that the pumpkins should be thrown away or composted, not left out for wildlife.
According to wildlife officials, leaving pumpkins out for animals could lead to attracting mountain lions to residential areas. They say it could also lead to unnecessary human-bear conflicts, as they say bears are also attracted to pumpkins.
They said animals, including elk, moose and deer with calves and fawns, could also become aggressive when food is around.
Intentionally feeding wildlife is illegal in Colorado due to the risks to wildlife health and safety. They said those found to be feeding wildlife could be subject to fines.
CPW said it could also lead to diseases spreading among wildlife, livestock, domestic animals and people.
Food to Power offers seven different composting drop-off sites in Colorado Springs and one in Manitou Springs. Click here to view all drop-off locations.
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