Bighorn Sheep
Imagine an animal whose horns are as tough as nails, who can withstand sub-zero temperatures and straddle precarious precipices against a mighty wind—all at two miles above sea level. That’s everyday life for the bighorn sheep. As Colorado’s state mammal, bighorn have come to epitomize the state’s majestic beauty. These sheep are versatile and tough, a perfect combination for the varied climate of the Rocky Mountains.
During the warmer spring and summer months, bighorn sheep may appear a bit scragglier as they shed their parka-like fur. It’s easy to spot their stomping grounds during these months, as their discarded wool waves in the wind, while clinging to rocks and trees.
A truly novel way of seeing these animals is by taking a float trip down one of Colorado’s many high-mountain rivers. Often, rafters will see a curious bighorn peering down at them from the safety of an outcropping.
Where To See Them:
- Brown’s Canyon, along the Arkansas River near Salida
- Georgetown
- Apishapa State Wildlife Area, 30 miles east of Walsenburg
Furry Fact:
At only one day old, bighorn lambs can pick their way across the unstable mountainside just as nimbly as their mothers—a feat unmatched by most animals.
Bald Eagle
Bald is beautiful, especially when it comes to our national bird. Here in Colorado, you can see this majestic eagle soar through our crystal blue skies and regally nest high atop sturdy trees. Home to roughly 50 nesting pairs, the bald eagle community in Colorado is well represented.
Make a point to look to the treetops when near high-mountain lakes and reservoirs. Larger bodies of water and rivers with ample fish support the voracious appetites of these raptors, as their main diet consists of fish and, at times, carrion.
Can’t make it to their habitat? You can bring them to yours. Xcel Energy has set up an “Eagle Cam,” perfect for non-intrusive viewing. See it at: birdcam.xcelenergy.com/eaglecam.asp.
Where To See Them:
- Dolores River, in the southwest region
- Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge, north of Dinosaur National Monument
- Saint Vrain State Park, near Longmont
Feathered Fact:
If Benjamin Franklin had his way, the bald eagle wouldn’t have been the national symbol. Instead, Franklin lobbied stridently for the turkey.
As the second largest bird of prey in North America, the bald eagle’s wingspan spreads up to 7.5 feet. Just to put that number in perspective, its wings are as wide as NBA all-star Yao Ming is tall. (The California condor is the only bird of prey larger than the bald eagle.)
Mountain Lion
What do a cougar, puma, panther, catamount and mountain lion have in common? Absolutely everything. In Colorado, the mountain lion answers to all of these names.
The taut, sinewy muscles of a mountain lion flex almost imperceptibly with each stealthy move. Its short, tan fur bristles against the shrubs and bushes of its brush-filled habitat of the Rockies. This is a mountain lion on the prowl—a powerful creature whose senses are fine-tuned to slight rustles and smells carried on the wind. With such incredible hunting prowess, it’s not surprising that the mountain lion has the largest geographic representation of any land mammal in North America—stretching from Canada to Argentina.
Once prolific throughout the continental United States, mountain lions on the East Coast are becoming increasingly endangered. But in the West they continue to thrive, and Colorado is ideal for these stealthy cats. The state’s foothills, canyons and mesas provide the perfect habitat, as Colorado’s abundant mule deer population keeps the mountain lions well fed.
It’s a common misconception that mountain lions are aggressive and will attack unprovoked—in fact, this is rarely the case. In the past 100 years, there have been fewer than a few dozen mountain lion-related fatalities. These cats much prefer to hunt deer and rabbits than humans. If you do happen across an aggressive mountain lion, stay calm, talk loudly and firmly, slowly back away and raise your arms to appear larger.
Where To See Them:
- Roxborough State Park, southwest of Denver
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- Bosque Del Oso, west of Trinidad
Furry Fact:
Would it prefer to be a house cat? In captivity, mountain lions have been known to live up to 21 years, as compared to 12 to 13 in the wild.
River Otter
When not playing, river otters spend their time hunting for fish. The river otter is a master of its watery hunting grounds. Beneath the surface of the lakes, streams and rivers, these animals chase their pray with acrobatic underwater somersaults and sleek submarine movements. With a stout tail comprising roughly one-third of its body weight, the otter powers through water with eel-like movements. This type of swimming motion is an effective method for hunting its slippery prey.
A once common animal in the Colorado river system, intrusions on their habitat caused their disappearance within the state. Thankfully, through the efforts of the Colorado Division of Wildlife, river otters have since been reintroduced into select Colorado waterways.
Where To See Them:
- Upper Colorado River
- Dolores River
- South Platte River
Furry Fact:
Even when walking, river otters appear to be having a good time. They run along the ground for a few steps, then fling themselves onto their bellies, sliding along the ground. These slides aren’t just another form of amusement—it’s a very effective form of transportation. When river otters slide, they can reach speeds of up to 18 mph!
Black Bear
Cute, they are, but cuddly they aren’t. Black bears are powerful creatures with no natural enemies. Standing three feet tall when on all fours (five feet tall when on their hind legs) and weighing roughly 250 pounds, black bears cut an imposing figure.
As omnivores, black bears can be found gorging on everything from nuts and berries to fish and bugs. Unfortunately, a black bear’s favorite has become garbage. They’re curious and intelligent by nature, and when the smell of food is involved, there is little that will stop them from getting to it.
These reclusive creatures are somewhat tough to spot, as one black bear may have a territorial range from 10 to 250 square miles.
Where To See Them:
- Weminuche Wilderness Area, northeast of Durango
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Curecanti National Recreation Area, west of Gunnison
Furry Fact:
When black bears get a taste of human food, even once, they may never go back to foraging in the wild. Always be sure to lock up your food when camping and leave a clean campsite when you pack up.
Tips for a clean campsite include packing out all garbage and food products before leaving. If provided, the use of bear boxes should be employed while at the site. If no bear-proof container is available, consolidate your food in a bag and hang it from a tree branch ten feet off the ground and five feet from the trunk of the tree.
And That’s Not All …
There are many more animals to see in Colorado. Keep checking back to read updates on all the wildlife watching Colorado has to offer!