By Danielle Chavira

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JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. (KCNC) – Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers want to remind dog owners of potential fines if their pets harass wildlife. The warning comes after two separate incidents of dogs killing two does in Jefferson County.

CPW says a dog owner has been cited for illegal harvesting of deer and for negligently letting his dog harass wildlife near Evergreen on October 20. Officers were unable to identify the dog’s owner or dog in the second incident. They did not provide further details on this.

“In the winter, deer and elk are just trying to survive the snow and the lack of forage,” Constable Joe Nicholson said. “If dogs chase them, they quickly deplete their already limited fat stores, leading to poor health and eventual death from starvation. This is what we are trying to prevent.

Pet owners can be fined $ 274 to $ 1,370 (for killing an elk).

CPW recognizes that some areas are considered “off-leash,” but recommends that pets be kept on a leash whenever this type of interaction is very likely.

Reports of dogs chasing wildlife can be sent to a local Colorado Parks and Wildlife office or the Colorado State Patrol. The CPW Denver office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and can be reached at 303-291-7227.

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