Urban Wildlife

Boulder is fortunate to have a natural environment as our backyard.  But with this benefit also comes responsibility to the natural surroundings including urban wildlife. This website serves as a resource to aid residents and visitors in being responsible stewards of our urban mountain backdrop and provide information resources on how to live in balance with local wildlife.

• Bear and Mountain Lion component
  of the Urban Wildlife Plan
• Urban Black Bear Education and Enforcement Pilot Program
• City of Boulder Coyote Management Plan
• Prairie Dogs and Wild Birds - Wildlife Protection Ordinance
• Prairie Dog Relocation Public Meeting
  

Sign up for email updates about the "Wildlife Plan." 

Contact Urban Wildlife Coordinator  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it at 303-441-3004.

Urban Wildlife Management Plan

The presence of wildlife in the City of Boulder and along the urban fringe sometimes conflicts with human land uses and activities. This situation creates the need for a comprehensive, long-term plan to guide management of wildlife in Boulder's urban areas.

The Boulder community, City Council, Environmental Advisory Board, and Parks and Recreation Advisory Board have worked together to develop an Urban Wildlife Management Plan to help address concerns about prairie dog management and other wildlife and land-use issues. 

Black-tailed Prairie Dog Component of the Urban Wildlife Management Plan

On Aug. 26, 2006, Boulder County and the Boulder City Council approved the Black-tailed Prairie Dog Component of the Urban Wildlife Management Plan (UWMP). The plan establishes a set of policies and procedures for managing wildlife, including species of special concern, within Boulder on both public and private lands. 

•  Final Black-Tailed Prairie Dog Component of the Urban Wildlife Management Plan
•  Memo from the May 23, 2006 City Council Study Session

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Prairie Dog Relocation Public Meeting

The City of Boulder is planning a prairie dog relocation project to move prairie dogs from areas around Foothills Community Park (and from additional open space colonies) to city open space land east of Highway 93, south of Coal Creek, and north of Highway 128.  Map of proposed prairie dog relocation receiving site.

The community was invited to attend a public meeting where city staff explained the project, responded to questions, and gathered comments and feedback. Learn more about the meeting.

April 9, 2013 at  Foothill Elementary School Cafeteria, 1001 Hawthorn Avenue, Boulder

Contact Information

For more information, contact Val Matheson, Urban Wildlife Conservation Coordinator, at 303-441-3004 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

If you have development plans for your property that may be in conflict with prairie dogs on the site, or if you have any questions about prairie dogs lethal control permits, contact Val Matheson, Urban Wildlife Conservation Coordinator, at 303-441-3004 or  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

 If prairie dogs are causing nuisance problems for you or the uses on your property, do not attempt to poison or kill the animals.  Please call animal control for assistance at 303-442-4030, ext. 0.

Last Updated on Thursday, 11 April 2013 10:58