Wildlife at Purgatory Resort

Purgatory Resort is a beautiful escape into nature, during both summer and winter seasons, and all the in betweens.

Seeing animals in their natural habitat can be an incredible experience. It is important to remember this is their home first. The best way to enjoy wildlife at Purgatory? With curiosity, respect, and distance.

The Golden Rule of Wildlife Encounters

Don’t interact. Observe.

Wild animals are a lot like lightning: incredible to witness, untamed, and absolutely not something you want to get close to. Photos are best taken from the chairlift or inside a lodge, not face-to-face.

The easiest (and safest) wildlife interaction is the one that never happens. A few simple habits go a long way in protecting yourself and these animals.

• Never feed wildlife. Collect your trash and leftovers and pack out everything you take onto the mountain.
• Do not approach an animal and steer clear of the direction of a reported sighting.
• Travel in groups when possible. A group is much more intimidating than one solo adventurer.
• Make noise to avoid startling animals.

Wildlife is usually trying to avoid you just as much as you’re trying to avoid them.

If You Do Encounter Wildlife

Different animals require different responses, and knowing what to do helps keep everyone safe. Below is a quick guide to some of the more common wildlife around our beautiful mountain.

Moose

Moose may look calm, but they are large, fast, and can be unpredictable.

• Stay calm and give it plenty of space
• Do not run away, approach, or try to feed the moose
• Slowly back away in the direction you came from
• Speak to the animal in a low tone while slowly backing away

If a moose shows signs of agitation (lowering its head, licking its snout, pinning its ears back) it may charge. If that happens:

• It’s time to run away and put a solid object between you and the moose (tree, vehicle, building)
• Get behind cover as quickly as possible
• Do not stand your ground. The moose does not want you to eat you, it just wants you out of its bubble

Bears

In the San Juans, we’re home to black bears only. While generally not aggressive, they are strong, curious, and highly food motivated.

If you encounter a black bear:

• Do not feed the bear!
• Never turn your back or imitate prey behavior (running, shrinking down, etc.)
• Stay calm and stand your ground
• Talk to the animal in a low steady voice
• Slowly wave your arms to appear larger

If the bear follows you or starts becoming aggressive/agitated:

• Stand your ground and raise your arms. Clap, scream, and make loud, deep noises. Stand on stumps or rocks to make yourself appear larger.

Mountain Lions and Lynx

Mountain lion sightings are rare, but awareness is vital. Mountain lions tend to be more aggressive and likely to attack than a lynx, but, as with any wild animal, both creatures need to be treated with respect and distance.

If you encounter a mountain lion or lynx:

• Back away slowly and do not turn your back
• Stand tall and make yourself look as large as possible
• Do not squat or crouch (you do not want to imitate prey)

If a mountain lion or lynx approaches:

• Throw rocks, water bottles, or whatever is in reach
• Aim for the body, not the ground or its head
• Maintain eye contact and stay big until the animal retreats

Some of the most dangerous animals are mothers and their cubs. If you see babies, assume the mother is nearby – even if you can’t see her. Follow the same de-escalation techniques listed above

Wildlife and humans share the land we live and play on, and it’s our duty to respect the balance that keeps everyone safe. If an animal startles you, remember: they’re likely just as surprised to see you.

Let’s appreciate these incredible creatures from a distance and continue enjoying Purgatory Resort responsibly!.