Colorado Wildlife

Colorado wildlife is everywhere in Western Colorado. If you live in Western Colorado you live with wildlife. Even in the cities you will regularly see deer, fox and prairie dogs.

At my home near Gunnison, I have had fox, deer, bear, and occasionally mountain lion for my neighbors. During the winters, when the snow was deep, Colorado Wildlife came in closer. On my daily trips into town, it was not uncommon to see elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep and bald eagles along the Taylor River Road.

Colorado Division of wildlife

Mountian Lion Sitting In Snow Storm

Mule Deer Bucks

If you do any driving in Western Colorado you will see Colorado wildlife. As the locals say, “wildlife is where you find it”. And you will find it just about everywhere. But there are some places where the viewing is extremely easy.

Moose in Beaver Pond

I have found that easiest places to see wildlife are the state and national parks. Sense hunting and firearms are not allowed in the parks, the animal have no natural fear of humans. You can get closer to the animals and get some great photos.

Three Young Black Bears

Out side of the parks, your best chances of seeing wildlife are better in the early morning or late evening, just before sunset. Look around water hole and rivers and sheltered spots, also near the edge of timber. Mule deer are easily spotted at dawn and dusk feeding in the farm fields. Bring binoculars and a camera with a telephoto lens.

Eagle In Windshield

Occasionally, Colorado wildlife will come to you. This poor eagle crashed into this pickup truck at such a high diving speed that it went through the windshield.

Although this bird incident is uncommon, mule deer frequently do crash into moving automobiles. Recently I had a buck run into the side of my car, luckily it did little damage to my car or the deer.

Tangled Bull Elk

The Colorado Division of Wildlife does a good job developing a healthy wildlife population. This Wildlife Officers is risking his life to save the bull elk. These two bulls became entangled during rutting combat. Unfortunately one died, but the standing bull escaped. Both would have perished if not for this officer.

Big Horn Sheep

WILDLIFE VIEWING ETHICS

• Be quiet. Loud noises and quick movements will scare wildlife

• Always observe animals from a safe distance

• Use binoculars, a spotting scope, or a camera with a telephoto lens.

• If the animals you are observing have their heads up, ears pointed toward you, or appear jumpy or nervous when you move, you are probably too close!

• Sit or stand very quietly, without making eye contact, watch from the corner of your eye.

• Be especially cautious around adults with young.

• Move slowly and don’t look directly at them, avoid eye contact.

Elk herd crossing The Highway

A good field guide is handy to have with you. The Colorado Division of Wildlife publishes an excellent field guide, Wildlife Viewing Guide. This Guide will lead you to 203 viewing locations within the state. It has beautiful color photos to help you identify the animals.

Antelope Herd Near Grand Junction

You don't have to go out of your way to have fun watching Colorado Wildlife. Just a quick trip at dusk, along any county road and with a sharp eye you will see animals.

Have Fun.

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