BIG HORNED SHEEP
The big horned sheep is the official state animal in Colorado. These animals are elusive and are usually hanging out on high peaks in the Rocky Mountains. These are not the same animals as mountain goats because there are known for their massive, curling horns. The bighorn sheep are favor rugged trials above the tree line in alpine tundra regions. The male and female sheep have horns, but the female ones have shorter and less curvy horns. The bighorn sheep do not shed their horns, so the sheep can grow as big as 120 cm in length. Their horns are used as a defense mechanism to run out other rams but are quiet peaceful animals.
The big horned sheep is the official state animal in Colorado. These animals are elusive and are usually hanging out on high peaks in the Rocky Mountains. These are not the same animals as mountain goats because there are known for their massive, curling horns. The bighorn sheep are favor rugged trials above the tree line in alpine tundra regions. The male and female sheep have horns, but the female ones have shorter and less curvy horns. The bighorn sheep do not shed their horns, so the sheep can grow as big as 120 cm in length. Their horns are used as a defense mechanism to run out other rams but are quiet peaceful animals.
MOUNTAIN LIONS
Mountain lions inhabit the Front Range region but attacks from them are very rare. Populations of the mountain lion are decreasing, due to illegal and legal hunting. The face of the lion is as soft as a house cat, and the color of the lion is a reddish brown. The mountain lion can grow up to 2.5 meters in length. Mountain lions prey on deer and elk for a food source. These animals wander through the foothills or borders between forest and wetland meadows. This is where they can watch for prey that are coming out to drink or eat.
Mountain lions inhabit the Front Range region but attacks from them are very rare. Populations of the mountain lion are decreasing, due to illegal and legal hunting. The face of the lion is as soft as a house cat, and the color of the lion is a reddish brown. The mountain lion can grow up to 2.5 meters in length. Mountain lions prey on deer and elk for a food source. These animals wander through the foothills or borders between forest and wetland meadows. This is where they can watch for prey that are coming out to drink or eat.
BLACK BEARS
Many black bears are actually the color blonde, cinnamon or brown. The black bear is similar to the grizzly bear but they have many differences. The Rocky Mountain National Park is a popular habitat and come out for viewing in mid-March when food such as berries and grasses become available. These bears then go back into hibernation in mid-November. Berries and grasses are the higher percentage of their diets, they also eat various meats. One of the biggest dangers for these bears is human food. Human food is often left in bins or campsites. Human food can affect and change their eating habits.
Many black bears are actually the color blonde, cinnamon or brown. The black bear is similar to the grizzly bear but they have many differences. The Rocky Mountain National Park is a popular habitat and come out for viewing in mid-March when food such as berries and grasses become available. These bears then go back into hibernation in mid-November. Berries and grasses are the higher percentage of their diets, they also eat various meats. One of the biggest dangers for these bears is human food. Human food is often left in bins or campsites. Human food can affect and change their eating habits.
HAWKS AND EAGLES
There are several bird species in Colorado, but hawks and eagles stand out the most. The bald eagle is normally seen in the State Forest State Park but flies around the state and over cities like Denver. The San Juan National Forest is a common breeding ground with 1.8 million acres.
The National Monument is home to nine breeding species of birds and was designated as a Important Bird Area (IBA) by the National Audubon Society. The red tailed hawk is the most common bird found in the Rocky Mountain National Park, although heads to flatter eastern plains in the winter. These birds favor the ponderosa pine which is a common tree in Colorado, but also favor open meadows and grasslands.
There are several bird species in Colorado, but hawks and eagles stand out the most. The bald eagle is normally seen in the State Forest State Park but flies around the state and over cities like Denver. The San Juan National Forest is a common breeding ground with 1.8 million acres.
The National Monument is home to nine breeding species of birds and was designated as a Important Bird Area (IBA) by the National Audubon Society. The red tailed hawk is the most common bird found in the Rocky Mountain National Park, although heads to flatter eastern plains in the winter. These birds favor the ponderosa pine which is a common tree in Colorado, but also favor open meadows and grasslands.
WILD HORSES
Wild horses that roam Colorado in current days are the descendants of horses used by Spanish conquistadors of the 1500's as well as American Indians who acquired these horses in the 1600's. The presence of these wild horses are controversial in some areas. Mesa Verde National Park, has unprotected horses that come from the Ute Indian reservation for water when there is a short supply.
Wild horses that roam Colorado in current days are the descendants of horses used by Spanish conquistadors of the 1500's as well as American Indians who acquired these horses in the 1600's. The presence of these wild horses are controversial in some areas. Mesa Verde National Park, has unprotected horses that come from the Ute Indian reservation for water when there is a short supply.
PRAIRIE DOGS
There are three species of prairie dogs in Colorado: the black-tailed, the Gunnison and the white-tailed prairie dog. All three of these species thrive on the dry sagebrush ecosystem. Prairie dogs aren’t actual dogs but more like burrowing squirrels or chipmunks. These animals have reddish fur, very large eyes, short ears and round heads. Many consider the prairie dog a pest, damaging farmland and carrying diseases. You can spot their groups by mounds in dry ground, often with heads popping up.
There are three species of prairie dogs in Colorado: the black-tailed, the Gunnison and the white-tailed prairie dog. All three of these species thrive on the dry sagebrush ecosystem. Prairie dogs aren’t actual dogs but more like burrowing squirrels or chipmunks. These animals have reddish fur, very large eyes, short ears and round heads. Many consider the prairie dog a pest, damaging farmland and carrying diseases. You can spot their groups by mounds in dry ground, often with heads popping up.
SNAKES
Almost all Coloradan snakes are non-venomous. There are 25 species of snakes in Colorado, but the western rattlesnake and massasauga are the only venomous species. Most of the species will live in burrows in grasslands.
Almost all Coloradan snakes are non-venomous. There are 25 species of snakes in Colorado, but the western rattlesnake and massasauga are the only venomous species. Most of the species will live in burrows in grasslands.
BEAVER
Beavers are aquatic mammals that reach the length of 3 to 4 feet. Their fur is waterproof and is a brown color. These mammals are natural swimmers and their webbed feet help them propel themselves through water. Beavers are natural engineers because of their dam building skills. The dam protects the groups from predators and provides a good habitat. Beavers have been known to live in the Rocky Mountain National Park but their living has decreased in the past 75 years.
Beavers are aquatic mammals that reach the length of 3 to 4 feet. Their fur is waterproof and is a brown color. These mammals are natural swimmers and their webbed feet help them propel themselves through water. Beavers are natural engineers because of their dam building skills. The dam protects the groups from predators and provides a good habitat. Beavers have been known to live in the Rocky Mountain National Park but their living has decreased in the past 75 years.
ELK
Elk are one of the biggest deer family members. Elk have a dark brown mane with light-brown bodies and white rumps. Males are the only elk to grow antlers which grow up to an inch a day. Elk move their herds in different season for food availability. In warmer seasons, herds would move to higher elevations for tundra vegetation but in colder seasons move to lower elevations.
Elk are one of the biggest deer family members. Elk have a dark brown mane with light-brown bodies and white rumps. Males are the only elk to grow antlers which grow up to an inch a day. Elk move their herds in different season for food availability. In warmer seasons, herds would move to higher elevations for tundra vegetation but in colder seasons move to lower elevations.
COYOTE
Coyotes are a part of the canine family. They are much smaller than any other their relatives such as the gray wolf. Coyotes thrive in the Rocky Mountains. Coyotes are 3 to 4 feet long and weigh up to 50 pounds. Their fur is a gray-yellow-brown color with white fur on their belly. Coyotes travel individually or in pairs. They can survive in both urban and remote arrives partly because they do not have a picky diet.
Coyotes are a part of the canine family. They are much smaller than any other their relatives such as the gray wolf. Coyotes thrive in the Rocky Mountains. Coyotes are 3 to 4 feet long and weigh up to 50 pounds. Their fur is a gray-yellow-brown color with white fur on their belly. Coyotes travel individually or in pairs. They can survive in both urban and remote arrives partly because they do not have a picky diet.
MOOSE
Moose are the largest members of the deer family. An adult moose can stand to seven feet tall at the shoulder. A male can weigh as much as 1,500 pounds. Moose have brown fur, humped shoulders, and a ball of skin (called a bell) that hangs from their neck. Moose have long legs so that they can move in deep snow and swim in deep water. This species is not territorial and is fine with other animals in the same area as them. Moose generally eat leaves, stems, buds and bark.
Moose are the largest members of the deer family. An adult moose can stand to seven feet tall at the shoulder. A male can weigh as much as 1,500 pounds. Moose have brown fur, humped shoulders, and a ball of skin (called a bell) that hangs from their neck. Moose have long legs so that they can move in deep snow and swim in deep water. This species is not territorial and is fine with other animals in the same area as them. Moose generally eat leaves, stems, buds and bark.
MULE DEER
Mule deer are known for their oversized ears that resemble a mule. Mule deer are larger than white-tailed deer and can be up to 3 feet tall. Their sight and hearing warns them of dangers near them. The males have forked antlers and shed them in mid-February. Mule deer stay in groups and are very social. These deer are seen in open areas with trees, grasses and forbs. Shrubs make up most of the deers meals.
Mule deer are known for their oversized ears that resemble a mule. Mule deer are larger than white-tailed deer and can be up to 3 feet tall. Their sight and hearing warns them of dangers near them. The males have forked antlers and shed them in mid-February. Mule deer stay in groups and are very social. These deer are seen in open areas with trees, grasses and forbs. Shrubs make up most of the deers meals.
PIKA
Pikas are small mammals similar to rabbits and look like hamsters. Their bodies are very oval like and they are around 6 inches tall. Pikas have thick brown-gray peppered fur with sharp claws. Their hearing and vision keeps them aware of nearing danger. Pikas are very social but hard to see because they camouflage very well against rocks. Pikas do not hibernate so they spend summers gathering food. Their usual diet consists of a plant based food source.
Pikas are small mammals similar to rabbits and look like hamsters. Their bodies are very oval like and they are around 6 inches tall. Pikas have thick brown-gray peppered fur with sharp claws. Their hearing and vision keeps them aware of nearing danger. Pikas are very social but hard to see because they camouflage very well against rocks. Pikas do not hibernate so they spend summers gathering food. Their usual diet consists of a plant based food source.
SNOWSHOE HARE
The snowshoe hare has large feet, long ears, a short tail and the typical rabbit shape. These hares weigh 3 to 4 pounds and are slightly over a foot in length. Females are the larger gender in the species. Different seasons depict different fur colors. In the winter, their fur is a white will black rims on their ears. In the summer, their fur is a gray-brown color with a white tail, chin and underbelly. Their diet mostly consists of plants.
The snowshoe hare has large feet, long ears, a short tail and the typical rabbit shape. These hares weigh 3 to 4 pounds and are slightly over a foot in length. Females are the larger gender in the species. Different seasons depict different fur colors. In the winter, their fur is a white will black rims on their ears. In the summer, their fur is a gray-brown color with a white tail, chin and underbelly. Their diet mostly consists of plants.
SQUIRRELS AND CHIPMUNKS
Chipmunks are smaller than a squirrel but share similar qualities. Chipmunks can be up to 9 inches in length. There are five stripes on their backs that extend to their sides. There are two stripes that extend to their head and their face. Chipmunks cheeks are very large for the purpose of carrying nuts and seeds.
Squirrels are often mistaken for chipmunks but this species is larger in size. There are no stripes on a squirrel's head and the tail is shorter. The cheeks are similar for carrying food. Their habitat is low elevations above tree lines. Their main food source is nuts and seeds.
Chipmunks are smaller than a squirrel but share similar qualities. Chipmunks can be up to 9 inches in length. There are five stripes on their backs that extend to their sides. There are two stripes that extend to their head and their face. Chipmunks cheeks are very large for the purpose of carrying nuts and seeds.
Squirrels are often mistaken for chipmunks but this species is larger in size. There are no stripes on a squirrel's head and the tail is shorter. The cheeks are similar for carrying food. Their habitat is low elevations above tree lines. Their main food source is nuts and seeds.
BIRDS OF PREY
Birds of prey in Colorado include eagles, hawks, ospreys, falcons, kestrels and vultures. All of these birds have incredible camouflage skills in their environments. Their tails are short for speed but broad for maneuvering. These birds have broad wings for when they are hunting. Their hunting skills are also improved because of their talons which grip their prey.
Birds of prey in Colorado include eagles, hawks, ospreys, falcons, kestrels and vultures. All of these birds have incredible camouflage skills in their environments. Their tails are short for speed but broad for maneuvering. These birds have broad wings for when they are hunting. Their hunting skills are also improved because of their talons which grip their prey.
OWLS
There are three main owls that live in Colorado. These owls include the Great Horned Owl, the Northern Pygmy-owl, and the Boreal Owl. These owls have large eyes that can provide them better night vision. Their feathers were made for a silence flight during the night which is also a helpful hunting too. Owls are able to rotate their heads up to 270 degrees for the purpose of redirecting their gaze. These birds hunt at night and they prey on mammals, other birds, reptiles, and insects.
There are three main owls that live in Colorado. These owls include the Great Horned Owl, the Northern Pygmy-owl, and the Boreal Owl. These owls have large eyes that can provide them better night vision. Their feathers were made for a silence flight during the night which is also a helpful hunting too. Owls are able to rotate their heads up to 270 degrees for the purpose of redirecting their gaze. These birds hunt at night and they prey on mammals, other birds, reptiles, and insects.
WOODPECKERS
There are four species of woodpeckers in Colorado. These woodpeckers include the American Three-toed Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Williamson's Sapsucker, and Northern Flicker. These birds have long bills that are chiseled. Woodpeckers have strong legs and stiff tails to keep them propped up.
There are four species of woodpeckers in Colorado. These woodpeckers include the American Three-toed Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Williamson's Sapsucker, and Northern Flicker. These birds have long bills that are chiseled. Woodpeckers have strong legs and stiff tails to keep them propped up.
PASSERINES (PERCHERS)
Passerines are a group of birds including sparrows, finches, wrens, dippers, thrushes, warblers, crows, jays, and swallows. These birds use songs to communicate with each other. These birds have four long and thin toes to drip branches, and their bill shapes and sizes vary based on their diets.
Passerines are a group of birds including sparrows, finches, wrens, dippers, thrushes, warblers, crows, jays, and swallows. These birds use songs to communicate with each other. These birds have four long and thin toes to drip branches, and their bill shapes and sizes vary based on their diets.
HUMMINGBIRDS
Hummingbirds are very small and delicate. There are four types of hummingbirds who live in Colorado. Those include, the Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Rufus Hummingbird and Calliope Hummingbird. Hummingbirds are specialized with flight adaptations to their bones, wings and feathers. They have long bills to feed on nectar.
Hummingbirds are very small and delicate. There are four types of hummingbirds who live in Colorado. Those include, the Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Rufus Hummingbird and Calliope Hummingbird. Hummingbirds are specialized with flight adaptations to their bones, wings and feathers. They have long bills to feed on nectar.
LAND FOWL
Land fowl include ptarmigan, grouse and wild turkeys. These species typically have rotund bodies and prefer running over flying. They have short wings that allow them to escape predators for short distances.
Land fowl include ptarmigan, grouse and wild turkeys. These species typically have rotund bodies and prefer running over flying. They have short wings that allow them to escape predators for short distances.
WATERFOWL
Waterfowl include ducks, swans and geese. These birds typically live in aquatic habitats and have webbed feet for swimming. Their feathers are also waterproof.
Waterfowl include ducks, swans and geese. These birds typically live in aquatic habitats and have webbed feet for swimming. Their feathers are also waterproof.