Colorado Wildlife Information

Colorado Wildlife

There is an abundance of wildlife from deer, elk, antelope, and big horn sheep to rabbits and the American Bald Eagle.

More than 250 species of migrating birds visit each year, including sandhill cranes, geese, ducks, and doves.

Colorado Bull Elk

Colorado Elk

In many areas,

elk outnumber people.

Colorado Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep

Colorado Rocky Mountain

Big Horn Sheep

Colorado Mule Deer

The mule deer is the species you will find roaming and calling Colorado home. It gets its name from its large mule-like ears. Adult male mule deer are called bucks, adult females are called does, and young of both sexes are called fawns. The most noticeable differences between whitetail deer and muleys are the color of their tails and configuration of their antlers. The mule deer's tail is black tipped. Mule deer antlers are bifurcated, or "fork" as they grow rather than branching from a single main beam (as with white-tails). Each year a buck's antlers start to grow in spring and are shed after mating season from mid-January to mid-April. Mule deer bucks have somewhat more prominent ears than females. Instead of running, mule deer move with a bounding leap (stotting) with all four feet coming down together.

The "rut" or mating season begins in the fall. Fawns are born in the spring, staying with their mothers during the summer and being weaned in the fall after about 60–75 days.

Colorado Mule Deer

Buck (male) Mule Deer

Sandhill Crane

Pronghorn Antelope

or simply Antelope

Colorado Prong Horned Antelope

Bald Eagle

American Bald Eagle

Coyote

Golden Mantled Ground Squirrel

Golden-Mantled Ground Squirrel

Uinta Chipmunk

Red Fox

Natural Wildlife Aggression

Big game wildlife - elk, deer, and bear included - naturally becomes more aggressive and active during the fall and spring months.

This especially applies to bears preparing for the long winter hibernation or awaking from the long hibernation.

It is rutting season - mating season - during the fall for elk and deer. The males become very bold and brave to a point of being fearless, even towards humans.

FALL

Fall is mating season for big game animals such as deer and elk. It is common for bull elk and bucks (male deer) to be more aggressive during this time of the year which means it is not unusual for them to attack humans, even at your home or cabin.

Bears are aggressively eating everything in sight in preparation for the long hibernation. Bears are very aggressive and active during late afternoons, over night, and early mornings. They can easily break into automobiles, campers, and structures.

Elk, deer, and bears remain very active until late November or early December, depending upon the weather.

SPRING

Spring brings a new set of issues. Female elk and deer are giving birth. They become very protective and will attack humans if they feel threatened.

Bears are awakening from a long hibernation and they are very hungry. This usually occurs sometime in April. For the first few weeks in spring following hibernation, bears become relentless in their search for food. Bears are opportunists and will eat anything they find eatable. This could include pets, children, and adults. Be bear aware at all times -- from spring to winter.

Female bears with cubs are extremely dangerous at any time of the year. If you can see them, you are too close.

To learn more about Colorado Wildlife and the best way to coexist with them, please visit the Colorado Division of Wildlife website. wildlife.state.co.us/WildlifeSpecies