Colorado Springs is situated at a unique geographical intersection along the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. This location is a sharp transition zone where the high-elevation forests of the Pikes Peak massif meet the arid expanse of the Great Plains. This convergence creates a mosaic of distinct habitats, ranging from alpine tundra to scrubland and urban riparian corridors. As a result, the area supports exceptional wildlife diversity, allowing species requiring large wilderness territories to coexist near animals adapted to suburban density.
Iconic Large Mammals of the Mountain Environment
The high elevations and expansive open spaces surrounding Colorado Springs serve as the permanent or seasonal home for several substantial mammal species. Mule Deer are the most commonly sighted ungulate, recognizable by their large, “mule-like” ears and a bounding gait called pronking. They often follow seasonal migration patterns, moving from the higher montane forests in summer down to the lower, shrubby hillsides and river valleys during the winter months.
Elk herds also utilize the extensive terrain of the Pikes Peak region, frequently seen grazing in open parks like Mueller State Park or Cheyenne Mountain State Park. The annual rut, or mating season, in late autumn is a time of high activity as the large males compete for dominance. The presence of these large herbivores directly supports the region’s apex predators, the Mountain Lion and the Black Bear.
Mountain Lions are solitary and elusive, but they are consistently present in areas like Garden of the Gods and the foothills on the city’s west side. They follow the dense deer population, which is their main food source. Black Bears are also common, particularly on the west side of the city, as it abuts their natural habitat.
Everyday Wildlife in Urban and Suburban Areas
A variety of smaller and medium-sized mammals have successfully adapted to life within Colorado Springs’ city limits and residential neighborhoods. Coyotes are prominent among these, thriving in urban environments due to the abundance of rodents, rabbits, and accessible garbage. These canids are highly opportunistic and are most active during the crepuscular hours of dawn and dusk, when they hunt in parks and residential green spaces.
The Red Fox is another canid species present in the city, often distinguishable by its bushy, white-tipped tail. It shares the coyote’s opportunistic feeding habits. Common urban animals include the nocturnal Raccoon and the Striped Skunk, both skilled at exploiting human food sources like pet bowls and unsecured trash cans. In areas with Ponderosa pine, particularly the Black Forest, the distinctive Abert’s Squirrel can be seen, recognizable by its prominent ear tufts and dependence on the Ponderosa pine for food.
Key Bird Species and Raptors
The Pikes Peak region is recognized as a premier location for avian observation. Raptors are a dominant feature of the local skies, using updrafts created by the mountain landscape for soaring. The Red-tailed Hawk is the most frequently observed raptor, often seen perched on telephone poles or soaring over open fields. It is easily identified by its broad wings and rufous-colored tail.
Golden Eagles, with their impressive wingspan, inhabit the more open, mountainous regions where they hunt small to medium-sized mammals. Highly adaptable Great Horned Owls are also year-round residents, nesting in a variety of habitats from canyons to suburban parks. Common songbirds thriving in the foothills and urban areas include the familiar House Finch and the Dark-Eyed Junco, which often forages on the ground. The Steller’s Jay, with its striking blue and black plumage, is a noisy resident of the coniferous forests and is a frequent sight at backyard feeders.
Coexisting Safely with Colorado Springs Wildlife
Living closely with a diverse range of species requires adopting responsible behaviors to minimize human-animal conflicts. Never feed wildlife, as this causes animals to lose their natural fear of humans and become dependent on artificial food sources. Residents should secure all attractants, especially in bear country on the city’s west side, by using bear-resistant trash containers and removing bird feeders and pet food from outdoor areas.
When hiking or recreating in open spaces, maintaining a respectful distance from all wildlife is paramount. Stay far enough away that the animal does not change its behavior. Pet owners should keep dogs on leashes and supervise them closely, especially during dawn and dusk when predators like coyotes and mountain lions are most active. If an encounter with a coyote occurs, wildlife officials recommend “hazing” the animal by making loud noises and appearing large to reinforce their natural wariness of humans.