Colorado

Christmas lights at risk from horned deer, Colorado warned

Published

2 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Christmas lights at risk from horned deer, Colorado warned

This holiday season, festive decorations may be at risk of being ripped down by an surprising culprit.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has warned residents of the state that they are receiving large numbers of calls from people who have had deer getting their antlers tangled up in their Christmas decorations and other yard equipment.

While deer are usually rather clumsy creatures, they become much more erratic and aggression-prone at this time of year, as they are frantically searching for a mate.

“Our wildlife officers respond to calls every year of deer stuck in various netting and holiday decorations,” CPW Area Wildlife Manager Adrian Archuleta said in a statement.

Mule deer buck tangled in Christmas lights. Colorado residents are advised not to hang lights on trees, and ensure they are at least 8 feet above the ground.

Alan Ziff / CPW

Colorado Parks and Wildlife warns residents that male deer may find themselves getting tangled up in swing sets, sports netting, hosepipes, Christmas lights and even bicycles during the rut season.

There are two main types of deer native to Colorado: mule deer and white-tailed deer. The rut of both species typically peaks in mid to late November and can extend into late December in some areas.

During the rut, bucks are highly active and display behaviors aimed at attracting does and establishing dominance over other males. This can include traveling extensively, often during daylight, and also engaging in sparring or even full-blown fights to establish dominance and breeding rights.

This activity is how the male deer end up getting tangled up in things like Christmas lights.

“In some cases, these hazards prevent the deer from being able to eat and breathe. Additionally, this causes high levels of stress on the animal and can lead to fatality,” Archuleta said.

The public is advised to ensure holiday decorations and lights are firmly attached to solid structures, and hung at least eight feet from the ground. Hanging the lights on trees or bushes is discouraged, as the deer often rub their antlers against plants or tree trunks to sharpen them during the rut.

If you encounter a deer that has become tangled or trapped, you should not attempt to free it yourself, as the deer are often increasingly aggressive at this time of year.

“When deer do become entangled, it is important for the public to call their closest CPW office quickly with location information,” Archuleta said.

“People should never try to free deer of these hazards themselves because of the serious risk of injury that can be caused by antlers and hooves.”

Additionally, deer can carry diseases such as chronic wasting disease, tuberculosis and acidosis. This is why it is illegal to feed wild deer in Colorado.

“Attracting deer can concentrate them in small spaces, making disease easier to spread, attracting predators, and causing them to lose their natural fear of people,” the CPW warn on their website.

During the rut, deer may be seen on the roads more frequently, so drivers are also advised to keep an eye out.

“Drivers are also reminded to slow down and be on the lookout for deer on highways. Not only are bucks in pursuit of a mate, but animals are also migrating to winter range and will be more present crossing roadways both on highways and arterial roadways,” the CPW said in the statement.

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Colorado

Town Council in Colorado’s Castle Rock approves measure expressing support for Trump’s immigration policies

Published

10 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Press Room

Town Council in Colorado’s Castle Rock approves measure expressing support for Trump’s immigration policies

Castle Rock council approves measure supporting President-elect Trump’s immigration policies

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The Castle Rock Town Council on Tuesday approved a measure expressing support for President-elect Donald Trump’s immigration policies. The measure also expresses a willingness to lawfully cooperate with federal immigration officials in implementing policies in the Colorado municipality.

All of the council at the evening meeting voted in favor of the resolution, except for one council person who abstained. Right before the vote, the council members referenced the violence that has been happening in Aurora at an apartment complex.

Earlier this year the council voted unanimously to explore suing the city of Denver over its migrant policies.

Trump has selected Tom Homan to be his “border czar” and he recently blasted Denver Mayor Mike Johnston for his opposition to planned mass deportations and willingness to use civil disobedience to ignore deportation orders for Denver residents.

“Look, me and the Denver mayor, we agree on one thing. He’s willing to go to jail. I’m willing to put him in jail,” Homan said last month.

Jesse Sarles

Jesse Sarles manages the web content and website operations for CBS Colorado. He writes articles about Colorado news and sports in and around the Denver area.

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Colorado

Man arrested at Colorado trail on several charges after guns, police impersonation items found in his car

Published

17 hours ago

December 17, 2024

Press Room

Man arrested at Colorado trail on several charges after guns, police impersonation items found in his car

CLEAR CREEK, Colo. (KKTV) – The Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office said they spotted a suspicious vehicle with a fake license plate and covered VIN parked in a dirt lot in Silver Plume on Monday.

After eventually getting the VIN, deputies said they identified the owner of the car, 40-year-old Brian Cope, who had a warrant from Summit County for failure to comply and was reported to have violent tendencies.

Deputies said they then saw him walking down a mountain trail towards them. Cope then reportedly placed an item behind a rock before being spoken to by deputies. Cope was then arrested on the Summit County warrant without further issues.

Deputies then checked behind the rock, finding a handgun. Cope’s vehicle was to be towed due to the fake plates, so deputies said they also did an inventory check of the vehicle.

Inside the car, deputies said they found a loaded, short-barreled rifle without a serial number, six high-capacity magazines, multiple boxes of ammunition, a Kevlar tactical vest with metal plates, a tactical helmet, a police scanner, a federal law enforcement replica badge, burglary tools and drug paraphernalia.

After the search of Cope’s car, deputies said he is also facing charges of possession of a weapon by a previous offender, impersonating a peace officer, two counts of a violation of a protection order, unlawful conduct involving an unserialized firearm, prohibited large capacity magazine, possession of burglary tools and three counts of drug paraphernalia. The 5th Judicial District Attorney’s Office is scheduled to determine the final charges.

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Colorado

WATCH: Colorado’s Deion Sanders press conference ahead of Alamo Bowl

Published

1 day ago

December 17, 2024

Press Room

WATCH: Colorado’s Deion Sanders press conference ahead of Alamo Bowl

Deion Sanders addressed the media in his first press conference since Early Signing Day and Travis Hunter’s historic Heisman Trophy win, as the Colorado Buffaloes prepare to face BYU in the Dec. 28 Alamo Bowl. Sanders, who has revitalized the Colorado football program in just his second season, highlighted the team’s achievements while emphasizing the importance of staying focused on the upcoming challenge.

The Buffaloes, enjoying one of their best seasons in over two decades, have reached nine wins for only the second time in 22 years. The remarkable turnaround has been spearheaded by Sanders’ leadership and the stellar performances of key players like Hunter and quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Shedeur has been a revelation this season, leading the nation with a 74.2% completion percentage while throwing for 3,926 yards and 35 touchdowns. His efficiency and poise under pressure have made him one of the most effective quarterbacks in college football. Coach Sanders praised Shedeur for his consistent growth, calling him “a leader on and off the field.”

Hunter’s season took center stage, as Sanders celebrated his standout player’s Heisman Trophy win. He became the first two-way player in decades to claim the prestigious award, delivering dominant performances on both sides of the ball. On offense, Hunter recorded over 1,100 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns, while his defensive presence included five interceptions and numerous key breakups. Sanders expressed immense pride in Hunter’s achievement, noting that it was “bigger than just Colorado—it’s about changing the narrative and inspiring the next generation.”

Deion Sanders Jr. reveals Travis Hunter’s NIL generosity helped build team

As they gear up for their Alamo Bowl showdown against BYU, Sanders acknowledged the Cougars’ talent and resilience, particularly pointing out their opportunistic defense, which leads the nation with 20 interceptions. “BYU is well-coached and hungry. We’re going to need to play our best football,” Sanders remarked. He also emphasized the importance of preparation and focus, encouraging his players to enjoy the moment while staying committed to the task ahead.

Deion Sanders calls out lies about Shedeur being “misrepresented” for NFL choice

For Sanders and his sons, Shedeur and Shilo, the Alamo Bowl marks both a celebration of the season and a symbolic step toward future goals. The game represents a culmination of hard work, resilience, and a belief in what many doubted. As Colorado fans celebrate their team’s resurgence, the Sanders-led Buffaloes look to finish strong, continuing a story that has captivated college football fans nationwide.

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