Sunday, November 13th - Photo Of The Week...

Warm weather last week contributed to a high level of activity among local wildlife. This week's photo of the week features a pair of Bighorn Rams along Highway 34, in the Big Thompson Canyon. The photo was taken on Monday, November 7th with bighorn sheep being reported along the roadway all week.   

On Friday, a Colorado State Patrol vehicle was reported as being struck from the rear while responding to traffic concerns on Highway 34, due to people stopping to view the animals. It was reported that the police vehicle had it's emergency lights on and was braking near the scene when the struck from behind by another vehicle. No injuries were reported and no further information is available on this accident.  

Wildlife throughout the area is still very active. Residents and visitors are advised to stay alert for wildlife and or people in the roadways, particularly around blind curves and hills, and in the hours around sunrise and sunset. While viewing of Colorado wildlife is encouraged, one should use common sense and obey all rules of the road when stopping or pulling back onto the highway.   

• Never stop in the paved part of the roadway except to avoid hitting an animal, person or another vehicle.  

• Never open your door into traffic and if possible, enter and exit your vehicle from the passenger side.  

• Never approach or try to feed wildlife. This is for your safety as well as the animal's.  

• Always use proper signals when turning either off of or onto roadways.   

• Always respect the animals safety and do not scare them into traffic by trying to approach them.   

• Always stay alert for other motorists who may not be paying attention.  

A substantial number of the many yearly accidents involving wildlife viewing can be prevented by following these basic guidelines. Wonderful photographs of wild animals, like the one pictured above, are best taken using telephoto lenses. Approaching wildlife is dangerous for both the wildlife and the photographer, and is prohibited in most areas.  The best photographs are obtained by being quiet, keeping your distance and moving slowly.  Faster films and digital settings between 400asa - 3200asa are recommended for the dim light around sunrise and sunset and in canyon areas. A faster digital/film speed will also compensate for the light loss inherent with most telephoto lenses. 

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