Know Before You Go
Service animals are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and are allowed at the Colorado State University Mountain Campus (MTC). Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.
Emotional Support Animals (ESA) are not allowed at CSU’s Mountain Campus for students and/or guests, as your temporary lodging on-site is not considered a permanent residence.
Before visiting campus, please communicate with Mountain Campus administrative staff and your group’s identified contact person about your plan to bring a service animal.
CSU’s Mountain Campus is a 1,600 acre campus surrounded by the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and the Comanche Peak Wilderness. The MTC adheres to Forest Service policies as they relate to service animals in these areas.
Rules Regarding Service Animals
- All service animals must be on a leash while outdoors. This leash can be no longer than six feet (unless it interferes with the assistance function for which the animal is trained).
- Service animals must always be in the owner’s control, including:
- No excessive barking at wildlife and/or humans.
- No lunging at or pursuit of wildlife.
- All service animals must be housebroken. Any damage done to CSU property will be billed to the animal’s owner.
- Service animals must stay on marked trails, the same as humans. If your class requires that you step off the trail, your service animal may accompany you.
- The MTC practices a Leave No Trace ethic:
- All feces must be picked up immediately – bagged, tied, and deposited in the outdoor dumpsters on campus.
- Leaving a bag with the intention of picking it up later is not permitted.
- The presence of domesticated animal feces can be disruptive to wildlife as well as active research efforts on campus.
Additional Tips
- Be prepared with extra feces disposal bags.
- Bring sufficient water for both you and your animal. At elevation, animals need more water, just like you do.
- All animal food should be kept in rodent/bearproof containers.
- Be familiar with first aid for your dog in the event of a paw injury or other minor issues, particularly when in the field or on a hike. This article will outline some things to be prepared for when taking an animal out on a trail.
- Most student cabins at the MTC are heated with a wood burning stove. Keep your service animal a safe distance away from that area, for their safety.
Wildlife Encounters
Moose
Most severe moose attacks on humans involve a dog. Moose will perceive dogs as predators and may react aggressively. If a dog approaches, barks, or lunges at a moose, it indicates a threat. In the event you encounter a moose with your service animal, immediately restrain the dog and leave the area as quickly as possible.
Bears
Similar to moose, most black bear attacks on humans involve a dog. In the event of an encounter, draw the dog close to you, and keep it calm. Speak softly to the dog and begin backing away from the bear. Carry bear spray and deploy if necessary.
Other Wildlife
We also encounter mountain lions, bobcats, and coyotes at the MTC. The bottom line is to be aware of your surroundings on campus and while on the trails, and have a plan of action in the event of an encounter.