This morning, a cruel discovery shook me to my core: not just one, but two beautiful birds had fallen victim to a sticky trap. A petite bird was hopelessly entangled, while a resilient magpie, a symbol of Colorado's vibrant wildlife, struggled to break free, sacrificing its tail feathers in the process. Tragically, the small bird suffered a grievous fate. It lost an entire wing, its tail feathers, and its feet were mired in the sticky deathtrap. It was too late to save this little creature, a needless casualty of indiscriminate trapping.

The state of Colorado is renowned for its dedication to preserving wildlife and its pristine natural habitat. From the majestic Rocky Mountains to the diverse ecosystems, Colorado’s wildlife forms an integral part of our identity and heritage. Sticky traps, however, are assaulting this heritage by harming unintended targets like birds, mammals, and even beneficial insects. These traps, widely used for pest control, do not discriminate, ensnaring any creature that crosses their paths, including our beloved wildlife.

Numerous reports have highlighted the dangers of sticky traps. Programs such as the RSPCA have documented instances where various wildlife species have suffered excruciating injuries or death due to these traps. There are more humane and efficient alternatives available for pest control, such as ultrasonic repellents and snap traps which ensure a quick end. These methods allow us to manage pest populations without sacrificing the innocents.

Colorado’s wildlife deserves protection against these traps. We must act now to preserve what is inherently Coloradan—our thriving biodiversity. Let us urge the state authorities to ban the use of sticky traps in Colorado. By doing so, we can safeguard the animals that enrich our landscapes and maintain the natural balance we are so proud of.

I invite you to stand with me in this necessary cause to protect Colorado’s wildlife. Please sign this petition to urge the responsible authorities to take decisive action and replace these harmful traps with humane alternatives. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that our wildlife coexists safely alongside us. Your signature can help bring about this vital change.