TIPS FOR MOUNTAIN LIVING
Animal Control
Dogs chasing deer are a big problem in Pine Brook
Hills. Boulder County Ordinance 97-1 makes it unlawful for the owner of a
dog to allow the dog to run at large. There are severe fines imposed on
owners of dogs harassing wildlife. The term “harassing wildlife” is broadly
interpreted. Any time a report is made by animal control officers or
wildlife officers, a $200 fine can be imposed, with an additional $500 if a
deer is killed or has to be destroyed by the officers.
Boulder County Ordinance also makes it unlawful for a
person owning or keeping a dog to fail to prevent the dog from disturbing
the peace by loud, persistent and habitual barking. Anyone troubled by dogs
barking or running at large will surely want to talk first with the owner.
If that is ineffective one can call the Boulder County Sheriff at 441-3626.
Please take a moment to read and think about the
County Ordinances and your responsibility as a dog owner and neighbor in
Pine Brook Hills. Please provide a safe environment for your pet, for other
pets, for the kids, the wildlife, and your neighbors.
Thanks.
Mountain Lions and Bears
In the past couple of years there have been many
mountain lion and bear sightings in Pine Brook Hills.
In this area mountain lions are usually tawny to light
cinnamon colored with black tipped ears and tails. A full grown lion weighs
90-150 pounds and is 6-8 feet long. Their tails are as long as one third of
their body length. Mountain lions are most active from dusk to dawn. They
eat mostly deer and will prey on smaller animals as well as domestic pets.
Our black bears may actually be some shade of brown.
Adult males average 275 pounds but can weigh as much as 450 pounds. Black
bears are about 3 feet high when on all four feet or about 5 feet tall
standing upright. They have been seen in Pine Brook at all times of the day
or night. 90% of a bear’s diet is plant materials, while about 10% consists
of animals. In Pine Brook they are especially attracted to bird feeders,
barbecue grills, and garbage cans. Try not to invite a bear to dinner.
Additional info here.
Since we live in lion and bear country there is a
possibility that you may encounter one of these animals. The following
precautions will help us live in harmony with the wildlife and possibly
prevent a confrontation:
• Children should not play outdoors alone and should always come inside before
dusk.
• Make noise when you walk or hike, especially from dusk to dawn, to avoid
surprising a lion or bear.
• Never approach a lion kill or a feeding lion.
• Make sure
pets and pet food are inside at night. A pet enclosure may be used if
completely
enclosed
including a roof. Chaining a pet is not recommended. Outdoor cats have very
short life
expectancies in Pine
Brook.
• Never feed wild animals, especially deer, or encourage them to come into
your yard. Deer are the mountain lion’s primary prey.
Don’t put garbage out at night. Wait until the morning of your garbage
collection day.
The Division of Wildlife recommends the following
actions if you encounter a mountain lion or bear:
• Do not panic or make quick movements. You can’t outrun a lion or bear.
• Back away SLOWLY without turning your back on the lion or bear.
• Avoid direct eye contact, as lions and bears may perceive this as a threat.
• Fight back if attacked. Wild animals have been driven away when people have
fought back with rocks, sticks, binoculars, and even their bare hands.
If you experience any type of close encounter with a
lion or bear, or feel threatened by one, call the Colorado Division of
Wildlife at 291-7227, or Boulder Emergency Dispatch Center at 441-4444.
Drop Boxes and Mail Boxes
Your monthly water bills and your annual Homeowners
Association dues can be paid by depositing a check in the appropriate box
under the marquee in the parking lot of the Community Center at 1905 Linden
Drive. Other water department drop boxes are located at North and South
Cedar Brook and at the Linden Drive split above the Community Center. Mail,
on the other hand, can be sent to our Pine Brook Hills organizations at the
following addresses:
Fire District
1905 Linden
Drive
Boulder, CO
80304
Homeowners
Association
1907 Linden
Drive
Boulder, CO
80304
Water District
1903 Linden
Drive
Boulder, CO
80304
Electric Fences
Some homeowners have installed electric fences to
protect their property from deer or other intrusions. It should be noted
that these fences will ignite grass and other shrubbery if they come in
contact with each other. Please prevent accidental fires!
Neighborhood Watch
Since Pine Brook Hills is off the beaten path for
regular Sheriff’s patrol, the community has learned to be alert and vigilant
about unexplained activities, suspicious cars or people, and neighbors who
are on vacation. The Sheriff’s department does patrol our area and
appreciates the help.
Our greatest community danger is from fire. Please
report any suspected fire immediately, and do not hesitate to call the
Sheriff’s Department (911) if you hear or see any fireworks being set off in
Pine Brook Hills or the immediate surrounding area.
Septic Systems
Septic tanks should be pumped out every 2-4 years
depending on the size of the system, the number of people in the house, and
water usage. If tanks are not pumped out on a regular basis, solids will
build up and will eventually flow out of the tank and plug up your septic
lines. Replacement of a septic field is costly. There are several septic
cleaners listed in your regular Boulder phone book. Boulder County Health
Department has a record of where your septic tank should be located and has
much information about keeping your septic system in good repair. Give them
a call!
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