Enjoying Colorado Outdoor Spaces: Wildlife

Enjoying Colorado Outdoor Spaces: Wildlife

April – Wildlife

In Colorado, whether you're suburban or rural, you'll see a wide variety of wildlife  throughout the year just looking around your neighborhod. All types of people enjoy wildlife in Colorado; local residents, hikers, campers, nature enthusiasts, fishers and plenty of tourists.

In the higher elevations of Colorado, this time of year you can see:

• Black bears
• Bighorn sheep
• Barn swallows
• Cliff swallows
• Deer
• Elk
• Hawks
• Eagles
• Wild turkeys

Bears in Colorado

Spring is the time when bears awake from their long slumber to search for food. Make sure you stay far away from these animals while camping, hiking or enjoying the outdoors in any fashion. The Colorado Division of Wildlife is urging rural and suburban residents to clean up sources of food that could attract black bears to residential neighborhoods.  Keep trash, food, livestock feed, bird seed and other items away from bears. The last thing you want to do is attract a bear. They are beautiful creatures, but dangerous, so take care to enjoy them from afar.


Bighorn Sheep

In 2002, Colorado experienced our largest fire in recorded history. The Hayman fire destroyed many homes, caused millions of dollars in damage and ravaged 138,000 acres, rendering the area uninhabitable for many species. This month, biologists released twelve young bighorn sheep back onto the area. This is a big step; the land is beginning to heal from the major burn nine years ago.

Protecting our wildlife is very important to the people of Colorado. Hunting and fishing requires proper licensing. Make sure you have your paperwork in order before heading out this season.

Spring time is a great time of year to view many different species in their natural habitats. Keep yourself at a safe distance from wildlife. View them more closely with binoculars.

Viewing Colorado wildlife can be thrilling and emotional, but remember, they're wild, so take proper precautions.