Two dogs trapped in a mine shaft near Cripple Creek are ignoring rescuers’ attempts to coax them out with food, treats and water.

Earlier today, the Teller County Sheriff’s Office sent animal-control officers to the Cripple Creek and Victor Gold Mine to assist in rescue attempts. Mine officials are worried about human safety in sending a search-and-rescue team down the 500-foot Ironclad Mine, said Deputy Mikel Baker, sheriff’s spokeswoman.

One dog appears to be a border collie; the other is a smaller dog that seems not to want to leave the collie’s side, Baker said.

It is unclear how long the dogs have been in the mine shaft, Baker said.

“We want to do everything we can do to make sure those animals are rescued,” Baker said.

Old locomotive bells have a new purpose. Tony Quintana helps to move the large bells into the Pikes Peak Center to be used in a concert that will be performed by the Colorado Springs Chorale. The bells were being moved into the center on Wednesday, April 13, 2010. Photo by (The Gazette/Jerilee Bennett)