Wildlife

The list of wildlife that makes a habitat of our mountains is wide and varied.  Whether you are walking in the urban areas of downtown, taking a stroll through Garden of the Gods or camping in Pike National Forest, many species might show their faces.  Some can be enjoyed, and others we have to be pretty cautious during a sighting.  Some animals are so elusive a resident can live here for years and never see them.

Since our city sits so snugly against the mountains, it is expected for residents and visitors to learn to live with the wildlife.  Encroachment upon an animal’s habitat will always bring encounters of one kind or another.  The western portions of town usually have more sightings, but all of Colorado Springs has spotted wildlife in their backyards at one time or another.

There are precautions to take when a visitor or resident sees wildlife.  Showing respect and leaving these animals alone is one of the biggest precautions a person can take upon an encounter.  There are laws in Colorado forbidding the feeding and capturing of wildlife.   Many animals are dangerous, and an encounter with some of our animals can be very harmful.


Some common wildlife that a person will see in and around Colorado Springs:

• Black Bear:  The black bear is the largest carnivore in Colorado.  They can weigh up to 450 pounds.  The females weigh less than the males.  Their fur is commonly different different shades of brown, black or grey.  Black bears generally give birth in the winter and nurse their cubs, getting them ready for a reappearance in the spring.  The black bears mission during spring and summer is to eat constantly so they may build up their fat stores.  This makes the black bear a very resourceful mammal when it comes to finding food.  As more homes encroach upon the black bear's habitat residents of Colorado Springs have become more bear aware of their homes and trashcans.  In addition to home awareness, campers also take special precautions to make sure bears do not invade a campsite.  
• Coyote:  Coyotes can weigh up to 40 pounds.  They are usually grey in color with a black tip on their tail.  Coyote pups are usually born in mid march at the earliest.  They have adapted very well to living with human beings and are commonly thought of as a pest.  Coyotes do live in family groups where the pups are protected and fed by both parents.  The coyote is seen often in town, the mountains and on the eastern prairies.
• Deer: Mule deer are the most common species of deer seen in town.  Many residents of Colorado Springs have to deer proof their flower and vegetable garden.  White tailed deer are more commonly seen in the prairie lands and sometimes in wooded areas.  The best way to tell the difference of thes two species is by looking at their tails and ears.  Mule deer have much larger ears than white tailed deer.  A white tailed deer runs with its white colored tail sticking straight up in the air.  The mule deer keeps its plain brown tail down when it runs.  Both species are about the same size.  A buck can weigh almost 400 pounds and a doe is around 200 pounds.  Baby deer are usually born in March and most often the mother has twins.
• Mountain Lion:  The mountain lion is quite possible the most formidable and most feared carnivore in Colorado.  This cat is a stealthy hunter and can hide efficiently.   They can reach up to 130 pounds and are around 6 feet in length.  These cats are usually a light brown with a lighter to white underbelly.  When in their natural habitat, mountain lions feed mostly on deer.  Colorado Springs residents are spotting mountain lions more often in neighborhoods due to the close proximity to their territory.  The Garden of the Gods information center has a picture of a mountain lion hiding in the bush while a mother walks beside it without even noticing.  She did not realize the cat was there until they developed the picture! Mountain lions have the ability to breed year round and the kittens grow fast.  It is necessary for anyone who is hiking or camping to know mountain lion safety.
• Raccoon: The raccoon is found anywhere and everywhere there is an available food source.  They are opportunistic feeders and will eat just about anything.  They thrive in urban areas where garbage is abundant.  The animals are usually around 2 1/2 feet in length and can weigh up to 30 pounds.  The raccoon does not hibernate but does sleep away most of the winter months.  Raccoon cubs grow quickly, and mothers usually have them weaned within 4-6 weeks after being born. 
• Fox:  There are four species of foxes that call Colorado home.  The most common specie is the red fox.  This animal is usually about 3 feet long and weigh only 11 pounds.  They have an orange coat with a white underbelly.  Their bushy tail usually has a black tip on it.  The red fox is usually seen at dawn or dusk when they are hunting.  They feed on pretty much anything available.  Babies can be born in the spring and are taken care of by both parents all summer long.  The gray fox, swift fox and kit fox also live in Colorado but are not as common as the red fox.    

The surrounding mountain range holds the previously mentioned animals and plenty more:

• Beaver:
• Bighorn Sheep:
• Bison:
• Elk:
• Moose:
• Porcupine: