Colorado’s varied landscapes, from expansive plains to towering mountain peaks, support a wide array of predators. These animals hunt and consume others for sustenance, playing a role in maintaining ecological balance. Understanding Colorado’s predators helps in appreciating the natural world and practicing safe coexistence.
Colorado’s Large Mammalian Predators
Colorado is home to several large mammalian predators, including black bears, mountain lions, and wolves. Black bears (Ursus americanus) are omnivores; their diet includes berries, nuts, insects, small mammals, and carrion. These bears are found across Colorado’s forests, often at elevations between 7,000 and 10,000 feet.
Mountain lions (Puma concolor) are solitary, elusive carnivores inhabiting Colorado’s rugged terrain, including canyons, foothills, and mountains. Their primary prey consists of deer, elk, bighorn sheep, and smaller mammals. These powerful cats ambush prey using stealth and a powerful pounce.
Wolves (Canis lupus) have been reintroduced to Colorado’s Western Slope. These social canids primarily hunt large ungulates like elk and deer, which helps regulate herbivore populations and contributes to ecosystem health. Reintroduction efforts aim to restore a more complete native wildlife ecosystem within the state.
Mid-Sized and Smaller Terrestrial Predators
Colorado’s ecosystems support a variety of mid-sized and smaller terrestrial predators, including coyotes, bobcats, and several fox species. Coyotes (Canis latrans) are highly adaptable canids found throughout Colorado, from urban areas to mountains. Their diverse diet includes small mammals, birds, insects, fruits, and carrion, making them opportunistic hunters.
Bobcats (Lynx rufus) are smaller, elusive wild cats inhabiting forests, shrublands, and semi-desert areas across Colorado. Their primary prey includes rabbits, hares, and rodents, though they also hunt birds and occasionally young deer. These felines are skilled hunters, using keen senses and stealth to stalk their prey.
Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) are common in Colorado’s agricultural areas, grasslands, and mixed woodlands. They primarily prey on small rodents, rabbits, and birds, but also consume insects and fruits. Swift foxes (Vulpes velox) are smaller and less common, found mainly in the eastern plains, specializing in hunting prairie dogs, mice, and ground squirrels.
Avian Predators of Colorado
Colorado’s skies are patrolled by numerous avian predators, including eagles, hawks, and owls. Golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) are powerful raptors that primarily hunt medium-sized mammals like rabbits, marmots, and prairie dogs from high above. Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) prefer fish as their main food source, often found near Colorado’s rivers and reservoirs.
Hawks like the red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) are widespread, frequently seen soaring over open country to catch rodents, rabbits, and snakes. Cooper’s hawks (Accipiter cooperii) are agile forest dwellers that primarily hunt other birds, ambushing them from dense cover.
Owls, such as the great horned owl (Bubo virginianus), are nocturnal hunters with exceptional night vision and hearing, preying on rodents, rabbits, and other birds. Burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia) are unique ground-dwelling owls found in Colorado’s grasslands, primarily feeding on insects and small rodents.
Coexisting with Colorado’s Predators
Coexisting safely with Colorado’s predators is important. Awareness of surroundings is key, particularly when hiking or recreating in natural areas. Making noise on trails can help prevent surprising an animal, giving it time to move away.
Proper food storage is especially important in areas frequented by bears. All food, trash, and scented items should be stored in bear-resistant containers, vehicles, or hung from trees away from campsites. Never leave pet food or bird feeders unattended, as these can attract wildlife to residential areas. These measures reduce the likelihood of attracting predators and habituating them to human food sources.
Keeping pets secure is another crucial aspect of coexistence; dogs should be kept on a leash in wildlife areas, and cats should be kept indoors, especially at night. This protects pets from potential encounters with predators and prevents them from disturbing wildlife. If an encounter with a large predator occurs, remain calm, avoid running, and make yourself appear as large as possible by standing tall and waving your arms. For bears, slowly back away without turning your back, and for mountain lions, maintain eye contact and be prepared to fight back if attacked.