I live in Highlands Ranch and really think it is a great place to be. There are all kinds of activities and outdoor fun. Highlands Ranch has done a great job along with the Metro District to develop significant acres of parks, trails and open space. No doubt if you’re an outdoor person in Highlands Ranch you have probably been on many of the trails and in the parks. They are awesome!
I ride my mountain bike a lot. Nearly every morning and during the warm months I ride the many trails throughout Highlands Ranch and even along the Highline Canal trail through Littleton and Englewood. You may be surprised at the amount of wildlife I see and come across close up. They are beautiful. Remember, although this is a very developed community it is also home to these animals. I see a lot of rabbits, ducks, geese, some deer, coyotes and a fox here and there. But the one that always creeps me out is coming up on a snake! I’m just not a snake guy. However they are out there and serve a good purpose towards controlling rodent population and such. And by the way, its their home too.
This leads me to my point of this article. Please leave the wildlife alone. I know it may not be hard to leave the rattlesnakes alone, but often people want to pet or feed some of the others. They can be cute, especially when they are young. It doesn’t help them to feed them and it can be dangerous if they appear hurt and you try to help. The best thing to do is admire their beauty and let them remain wild. If you do spot an animal that seems hurt, you can always page a park ranger at 303-540-2311 and they will provide the help needed. If you happen to get too close to a snake, step away and give it room. Don’t try to touch it or catch it. It may bite. There are venemous rattlesnakes in Highlands Ranch so be aware. If your not sure the type of snake, Metro District has put together a fact sheet to help you familiarize yourself with the rattlesnake. If you get bit, get medical attention right away.
So get out there, enjoy all the trails, parks and open space we have here in Highlands Ranch. It’s a great way to explore the community, get some exercise and meet wonderful people along the way. Who knows, maybe we’ll see eachother on the trail. I’ll make sure to say hi.