Safety

Help reduce nutrient and E. coli contamination in ��ý�� Creek

Anonymous — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 13:57:17 +0000

Help reduce nutrient and E. coli contamination in ��ý�� Creek Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 10/17/2025 - 07:57

At CU ��ý��, we are fortunate to have beautiful waterways, including ��ý�� Creek, integrated into our campus ecosystem. However, keeping these waterways healthy requires our collective effort.

��ý�� Creek is considered an impaired waterway by the state of Colorado due to excess amounts of Escherichia coli bacteria (E. coli). While ��ý�� Creek is not currently considered impaired by nutrient pollution, raising awareness about nutrients is key to help prevent future impairment.

Nutrient pollution: What is it and why should we care?

Nutrient pollution occurs when excess compounds of nitrogen and phosphorus enter our waterways, often from sources like fertilizers, pet waste and improperly disposed organic material. These nutrients can be washed off lawns and gardens during rainfall or irrigation, flowing directly into storm drains and, ultimately, into our stormwater systems. Once in the water, they can cause algal blooms, which deplete oxygen levels, harm aquatic life and degrade water quality.

E. coli contamination in ��ý�� Creek

In addition to nutrient pollution, E. coli, a common bacterium from multiple sources, also impacts ��ý�� Creek. Urbanization reduces the number of porous surfaces and increases contamination sources that wash into the storm sewer, promoting bacterial growth. The university is actively investigating and addressing the sources of E. coli in stormwater discharges.

How you can help reduce nutrient pollution and E. coli loading

Fertilizer use: Avoid over-fertilizing lawns and gardens, and never apply fertilizers near storm drains.
Organic waste: Properly dispose of lawn clippings, leaves and other organic material instead of letting them wash into storm drains.
Pet waste: Always clean up after your pets. Pet waste contributes to both bacteria and nutrients that pollute stormwater.
Trash disposal: Place all garbage in waste containers, and avoid feeding wildlife, which can increase waste in waterways.
Report issues: If you see illegal dumping or clogged storm sewer inlets on campus, contact Facilities Management at 303-492-5522.

As a large, eco-conscious community at CU ��ý��, we have a great opportunity to work together to protect our stormwater resources and contribute to the university’s sustainability goals. By adopting simple habits like cleaning up after pets, properly disposing of waste and being mindful of fertilizer use, each of us can make a positive impact.

For more information, visit the CU ��ý�� Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) stormwater guidelines webpage or contact EH&S at 303-492-6025 or ehs@colorado.edu.

At CU ��ý��, we are fortunate to have beautiful waterways, including ��ý�� Creek, and keeping these waterways healthy requires our collective effort.

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Get theft prevention tips for your car and belongings inside your car

Anonymous — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 15:49:59 +0000

Get theft prevention tips for your car and belongings inside your car Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 10/14/2025 - 09:49

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Colorado ranked fourth in the country for the number of cars stolen in 2023.

Get more tips

Preventing bike theft

As with most college campuses, bike thefts are the leading crime at CU ��ý��, so be sure to read these safety tips.

Preventing device theft

Our phones, tablets and laptops often contain personal information and important data, having great value to criminals. These pointers from CUPD can help prevent your devices from being stolen.

While not one of our leading crimes on campus, car thefts and property theft from inside cars can happen to anyone, anywhere. Since the beginning of this academic year, the CU ��ý�� Police Department (CUPD) has received two reports of attempted motor vehicle theft on campus. Here are a few steps you can take to help prevent this from happening to you.

If your car will be there after dark, park it in a well-lit area near a lamp post or camera if possible.
Never leave items of value out in the open. This includes open and unopened bags, phones, headphones, computers and more. Thieves love to know there is something they could get before breaking in.
Make sure your doors are locked and your windows are closed. Even a small opening can be useful to a thief.
Unless you have a remote starting device, never leave your car unattended while it is running.
Consider installing a security alarm to your car to act as a deterrent. Also, after-market items such as steering wheel locking mechanisms or even a GPS tracking device, like an Apple AirTag, can be a good tool as well.
Report any suspicious behavior to CUPD by calling the CUPD non-emergency line at 303-492-6666.

Just a few simple steps could help prevent you from becoming a victim of this crime.

While not the most common crime on campus, car theft and property theft from inside cars can happen to anyone, anywhere. Here are a few steps you can take to protect your belongings.

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CU ��ý�� launches campus safety app: CU ��ý�� Safe

Megan Maneval — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 19:48:21 +0000

CU ��ý�� launches campus safety app: CU ��ý�� Safe Megan Maneval Wed, 10/08/2025 - 13:48

CU ��ý�� has launched a new mobile safety app, CU ��ý�� Safe. The app is designed to centralize emergency alerts, safety tools and campus resources—making it easier for students, faculty and staff to find everything they need in one place. CU ��ý�� Safe is free for campus affiliates and available on both iOS and Android devices.

Once downloaded, campus community members can log in with their CU ��ý�� credentials to receive emergency alerts, connect with dispatch for support, and access important safety resources. The app brings together tools that were previously spread across multiple websites and platforms, including links to Buff Bus, CUNightRide, parking and campus maps, mental health services and campus reporting options.

“Safety is a shared responsibility, and this app gives every member of our community the tools they need to stay informed, connected and supported—whether in an emergency or just going about their day,” said Marlon Lynch, vice chancellor for public safety.

One of the key new features is a built-in text function to communicate with dispatch in non-emergency situations. Another new feature is Virtual Walkhome, which enables you to allow CU ��ý�� Police dispatchers to monitor your location as you walk across campus. It’s designed to give you peace of mind if you’re walking alone—especially at night. The Friend Walk option, which the campus previously offered through the Guardian app, lets you share your location with a trusted friend or family member who can track your route until you arrive safely.

“The CU ��ý�� Safe app is one more tool that our students, faculty and staff now have access to that provides added safety and security to our campus,” said Chancellor Justin Schwartz. “Offering such a resource through the Division of Public Safety is critical to the university’s priority of building a more safe and resilient campus community.”

The app also includes quick access to CUPD, alerts social feeds (@CU��ý��Alerts and @CU��ý��Police), and community safety partners like BoCoAlert and the ��ý�� Police Department.

CU ��ý�� Safe will eventually replace the Guardian safety app, which will be phased out later this year. Help us get the word out—encourage your colleagues and students to download the CU ��ý�� Safe app and start using it today.

How to download CU ��ý�� Safe

CU ��ý�� Safe is an app available for download by all students, faculty and staff. You must have an IdentiKey to access the app.

In the Apple App or Google Play store, search for and download the “CU ��ý�� Safe” app
Open the app and log in using your IdentiKey credentials.
Make sure to enable push notifications. This will allow you to receive real-time emergency alerts through the app.
Add your phone number to your profile. This helps dispatch reach you faster in an emergency.
Use the CU ��ý�� Safe app to access key safety features provided by the campus.

A new free app for CU ��ý�� students, faculty and staff offers emergency alerts, reporting tools and safety features in one place.

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Bear safety tips: Mind your trash, more

Anonymous — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 18:39:06 +0000

Bear safety tips: Mind your trash, more Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 09/25/2025 - 12:39

Bears are sporadically seen in the ��ý�� foothills and, on rare occasions, on campus.

It’s important that students, faculty, staff and the larger ��ý�� community become familiar with bear safety tips:

Don’t feed bears, and don’t put out food for other wildlife that attracts bears.
Be responsible about trash and bird feeders. The city of ��ý�� has a city ordinance that requires trash to be secured in bear-resistant trash cans or carts for residents in designated areas within ��ý��. Residents within the secure trash implementation zone, including students living in rental units, should be provided with retrofitted bear-resistant trash cans/carts from their trash disposal company. Learn more about the bear-resistant trash ordinance.
Keep all bear-accessible windows and doors closed and locked, including home, garage and vehicle doors. Don’t leave attractants such as snacks, food wrappers, gum or even scented hand lotions in your car, and don't leave pet food outside your home.
If you see a bear on campus, call 911. Stand still, stay calm and let the bear identify you and leave. Talk in a normal tone of voice. Be sure the bear has an escape route. If you see cubs, their mother is usually close by. Leave the area immediately.

Visit the Colorado Parks & Wildlife "Be Bear Aware" page or the ��ý�� Open Space and Mountain Parks bears and mountain lions page for additional information and safety tips.

The CU ��ý�� campus is home to, or frequented by, raccoons, deer, squirrels, beavers, prairie dogs and dozens of species of birds. Foxes have also been making a rebound in the area. On rare occasions, we even get visits from larger animals such as coyotes and bears. CU ��ý��'s Environmental Services team offers a few simple reminders about interactions between people and wildlife on campus.

Black bears are common in Colorado, including in the ��ý�� foothills and, on rare occasions, campus. It’s important that students, faculty, staff and the larger ��ý�� community become familiar with bear safety tips.

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Tips for co-existing with campus wildlife

Anonymous — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 18:16:42 +0000

Tips for co-existing with campus wildlife Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 09/25/2025 - 12:16

Hawk on campus. Photo by Craig Levinsky.

CU ��ý��’s campuses are home to, or frequented by, raccoons, deer, squirrels, beavers, prairie dogs and dozens of species of birds. Foxes have also been making a rebound in the area. On rare occasions, we even get visits from larger animals such as coyotes and bears.

It’s important to remember, however, that wildlife is wild for a reason and should be treated as such for the well-being of both the animals and our people. CU ��ý��’s Environmental Services team offers a few simple reminders for students, faculty and staff about interactions between people and wildlife.

Do not approach or feed wild animals on campus, even squirrels or birds.
Do not feed the turtles or fish living in and around Varsity Lake, the Kittredge ponds or other ponds around campus.
If you come across an injured or dead animal, report it to the CU Facilities Management (FM) service desk at 303-492-5522 so that designated campus employees can properly assist or remove the animal.
Problems or human contact with squirrels, rodents, birds or other animals can likewise be reported to the FM service desk at 303-492-5522 at any time of day or night.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s (CPW) website includes several resources and tips, including how to avoid wildlife conflicts and why feeding wildlife is a bad idea. Websites for the city of ��ý�� and ��ý�� County also include valuable information related to local wildlife.
Remember, we are in pre-hibernation season, with bears needing to consume 20,000 calories; you could very likely see a bear during this time period. We want to get them off campus safely and do not want to tag a bear unless absolutely necessary—a tag will show CPW that it has been to the city once, and two tags on a bear’s ears mean it will need to be euthanized by state law.

“CU ��ý��’s setting provides ample opportunities for observing wildlife, enhancing our enjoyment of campus and the outdoors,” said Troy Muller, wildlife manager and integrated pest manager at CU ��ý��.

CU staff work together with wildlife specialists, ��ý�� Animal Control and Colorado Parks and Wildlife when dealing with wildlife issues on campus. Muller said the animals are handled with the utmost care to ensure their safety. They are usually sent to an animal refuge or up in the mountains to distance them from civilization.

“CU also invests in having an Integrated Pest Management department to make sure that when animals find their way to campus, they are cared for properly and, when necessary, safely removed from campus, ensuring the campus populace and the animal are safe,” Muller said “What makes CU ��ý�� such a special campus is the staff, faculty and student body can observe the wildlife, and we can all coexist with each other.”

Animal well being is top priority in wildlife management. “I feel very fortunate to work on such a beautiful campus and be around all the beautiful creatures that call this place home,” Muller said.

Shope papilloma virus in wild rabbits

There have been reports of rabbits with black tentacles growing out of their head in Fort Collins. The shope papilloma virus has been reported in all corners of Colorado for at least 100 years. While the virus itself is nothing new in this part of the country, the threat to domestic rabbits is concerning. The virus will move in all eight different species of Colorado’s wild rabbits and hares and can be transferred to domestic rabbits.

Take care not to let your pet rabbits be exposed to wild rabbits. Make sure the outdoor area where your rabbit may be exposed is secure and won’t allow wild rabbits to enter. Keep domestic rabbits inside during peak insect activity. Ticks and mosquitos act as vectors for the virus and are most busy at night in the hot summer and warm fall months.

The virus does not spread to humans, but if you see a rabbit with this affliction, please report it to the Operations Control Center.

CU ��ý��'s Environmental Services team offers a few simple reminders about interactions between people and wildlife on campus.

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Naloxone availability on campus and in ��ý��

Megan Maneval — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 13:29:31 +0000

Naloxone availability on campus and in ��ý�� Megan Maneval Thu, 09/25/2025 - 07:29

Naloxone is an FDA-approved medication that can be used to temporarily reverse opioid overdoses. Free naloxone is available through Health Promotion on campus and through several programs in ��ý��.

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Safety tips for earlier sunsets and fall evenings

Anonymous — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 18:23:02 +0000

Safety tips for earlier sunsets and fall evenings Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 09/18/2025 - 12:23

With cooler temperatures and earlier sunsets, there are some things to be more mindful of in autumn. Here are safety tips and reminders from Off-Campus Life for fall evenings.

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5 insights to help you recognize hazing

Anonymous — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 19:46:19 +0000

5 insights to help you recognize hazing Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 09/16/2025 - 13:46

Health and Wellness Services

College is full of opportunities to meet new people and join groups, and sometimes the pressure to fit in can lead groups to put new members at risk of harm. Here are some things to know about hazing.

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Tips for talking about and preventing suicide

Anonymous — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 12:50:37 +0000

Tips for talking about and preventing suicide Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 09/09/2025 - 06:50

Health and Wellness Services

Starting a conversation about suicide, even briefly, can make a meaningful difference. It can help someone feel seen, heard and supported enough to reach out for help. Here are some tips you can use if you’re concerned that a friend, roommate or classmate may be struggling or thinking about suicide.

Starting a conversation about suicide, even briefly, can make a meaningful difference. It can help someone feel seen, heard and supported enough to reach out for help. Here are some tips you can use if you're concerned that a friend, roommate or classmate may be struggling or thinking about suicide.

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5 things everyone should know about sexual assault

Megan Maneval — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0000

5 things everyone should know about sexual assault Megan Maneval Wed, 09/03/2025 - 00:00

Health and Wellness Services

Sexual assault is all too common and can have lasting impacts on individuals and communities. Here are five things everyone should know about sexual assault.

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Safety

Help reduce nutrient and E. coli contamination in ��ý�� Creek

Nutrient pollution: What is it and why should we care?

E. coli contamination in ��ý�� Creek

How you can help reduce nutrient pollution and E. coli loading

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Get theft prevention tips for your car and belongings inside your car

Preventing bike theft

Preventing device theft

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CU ��ý�� launches campus safety app: CU ��ý�� Safe

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Bear safety tips: Mind your trash, more

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Tips for co-existing with campus wildlife

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Naloxone availability on campus and in ��ý��

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Safety tips for earlier sunsets and fall evenings

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5 insights to help you recognize hazing

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Tips for talking about and preventing suicide

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5 things everyone should know about sexual assault

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Safety

Help reduce nutrient and E. coli contamination in ������ý���� Creek

Nutrient pollution: What is it and why should we care?

E. coli contamination in ������ý���� Creek

How you can help reduce nutrient pollution and E. coli loading

Off

Get theft prevention tips for your car and belongings inside your car

Preventing bike theft

Preventing device theft

Off

CU ������ý���� launches campus safety app: CU ������ý���� Safe

Related Articles

Bear safety tips: Mind your trash, more

Off

Tips for co-existing with campus wildlife

Related Articles

Naloxone availability on campus and in ������ý����

Related Articles

Safety tips for earlier sunsets and fall evenings

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5 insights to help you recognize hazing

Off

Tips for talking about and preventing suicide

Off

5 things everyone should know about sexual assault

Off

Help reduce nutrient and E. coli contamination in ��ý�� Creek

E. coli contamination in ��ý�� Creek

CU ��ý�� launches campus safety app: CU ��ý�� Safe

Naloxone availability on campus and in ��ý��