It starts with the distinctive whirring noise or hum that lets you know a drone is near.
Eventually you might spot it, then notice its camera seems to be focused into your window or on your backyard.
A drone overhead can be annoying, and a probing camera could even make what it's doing illegal, but how do you get rid of it?
People have suggested shooting down drones that they feel invade their privacy at their personal property. The internet even has fabricated videos of people supposedly trying to shoot down drones.
Federal law classifies drones as aircraft and attempting to shoot them violates 18 U.S.C.A. § 32. The Federal Aviation Administration could pursue civil penalties for shooting at a drone and the statute allows for a penalty of up to 20 years in prison if federal law enforcement pursues charges.
Additionally, that drone you shot down could damage another person's property or hit an individual on the ground, opening you up to possible state and local charges -- not to mention potential civil lawsuits over the damages or injuries.
And the drone operator could sue you for damaging their property.
No. The same law applies. If you can't do it to a plane, you can't do it to a drone.
If you feel like a drone is invading your privacy, being operated in an unsafe manner or harassing someone, contact your local police department or sheriff's office. They can assess if they are violating any state privacy laws or local ordinances about drones.
There are few drone-specific state laws on the books in Colorado. They cannot be used in a way that obstructs with response to a wildfire or other emergencies, and you can't use them to scout ahead or otherwise aid you with hunting. Their use is also restricted to certain areas of state parks.
"Peeping Tom" and harassment laws could come into play, but that is a decision for local law enforcement and prosecutors to make.
Some municipalities have their own ordinances, including Telluride's requirement to get an owner's permission to fly over their property and limits on how drones can be used in Denver parks.
Drones weighing more than a half pound must be registered with the FAA. Registration costs $5 per drone and is valid for three years. In order to register, the applicant must be at least 13 years old and a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.
Recreational flyers, who are using their drones for enjoyment or education, must:
They must not:
Nate Trela covers trending news in Colorado and Utah for the USA TODAY Network.