Visitors warned about roaming donkeys at Colorado state park

It’s not that uncommon to share the roads with animals in Colorado, but very rarely is that animal a donkey.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is warning locals and visitors NOT to approach, touch, or feed the animals in Eleven Mile State Park. Every year a herd of free-roaming donkeys, llamas, cows, and horses find their way into the park for its abundant water supply, grassy meadows, and protection from the elements.

Herds of donkeys have been seen wandering into the middle of the road and running up to vehicles, often sticking their heads inside of windows that might be rolled down. One visitor even claimed that they were chased by donkeys as they were exiting the park.

If you spot the donkeys while visiting the park, please avoid the urge to feed them. This only attracts them to hang out near the roads where they are more likely to get hit by cars. Here’s a video of park visitors interacting with the donkeys:

According to Eleven Mile State Park. two donkeys were killed over Labor Day weekend after being struck by a vehicle traveling at the 50 mph speed limit along one of the main roads to the park.

The elk rut is also in full force right now in Estes Park, where you can find hundreds of elk roaming through the parks, golf course, sidewalks, and streets.

Wildlife is practically everywhere you go everywhere in Colorado. So please, remember to use caution, slow down, and watch out for wandering wildlife on the roads. Be especially cautious at dawn and dusk, when it’s hard to see. Follow speed limits. Drive safely and keep wildlife WILD!