local
Voss: Wildlife encounters with pets
By Dr. Kelly Voss Follow
dr.kellyvoss@gmail.com at Aspen Times
· July 6, 2026
· 5 min read
I, like many of us, enjoy biking up Maroon Creek Road to take in one of Aspen ’s most spectacular landscapes. Over the past few weeks, these rides have felt like a wildlife safari. Nearly every ride has included sightings of foxes, bears, moose or deer enjoying our beautiful backyard. It seemed li...
Key takeaway Over the past few weeks, these rides have felt like a wildlife safari.
Why this matters in Aspen News
Aspen's unique blend of natural beauty and wildlife habitat creates a complex environment for pet owners. The city's proximity to the Elk Mountains and the Roaring Fork River means that residents are often just a stone's throw away from potential wildlife encounters. For dog owners who enjoy hiking or biking in the area, understanding how to navigate these encounters is crucial. The Aspen School District's emphasis on environmental education and outdoor recreation can also help raise awareness among younger residents about the importance of coexisting with wildlife. As the community continues to grow and develop, it's essential for residents to prioritize responsible pet ownership and respect for the natural environment. By taking simple precautions like keeping dogs leashed and being aware of their surroundings, Aspen residents can help minimize the risk of wildlife encounters gone wrong and preserve the delicate balance between humans and animals in the valley.
About this story
Original reporting by Aspen Times . Aspen News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: local ·
Published: July 6, 2026 ·
Source: Aspen Times ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? I, like many of us, enjoy biking up Maroon Creek Road to take in one of Aspen’s most spectacular landscapes. Over the past few weeks, these rides have felt like a wildlife safari. Nearly every ride has included sightings of foxes, bears, moose or deer enjoying our beautiful backyard. It seemed li...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 6, 2026 by Aspen Times and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Dr. Kelly Voss Follow
dr.kellyvoss@gmail.com at Aspen Times. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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