Wildlife

A new Silver Thread Scenic Byway Wildlife Watching Guide is available at the Visitors Center - Stop in for your copy!

Colorado is a wildlife haven and a haven for people who love wildlife. No matter where you go in the state, you'll find wildlife, from mountain peaks that spear 14,000 feet into the sky to the wide-open high plains of eastern Colorado, with more than 960 species of animals.

In the mountains of Colorado and the surrounding area of South Fork some of the most commonly viewed wildlife are; bighorn sheep, antelope, moose, bear, elk, fox, coyote, weasels, mountain lions, mule deer, squirrels, mallard ducks, canadian geese, humming bird, hawks, ground hogs, golden and bald eagles, to name just a few. Although always keep your eyes open, because the San Luis Valley is home to creatures as great, as the moose, and as small as a hummingbird.

Most wildlife is out from dawn to sunset, although they are usually moving the most right before sunrise or sunset. So to see the most wildlife you should be out in the early morning and evening. A few helpful hints to remember when viewing wildlife are as follows:

• Observe animals from a safe distance (that the animals consider safe) get a close up with your camera or binoculars.
• "Safe Distance" is when you can observe the animals without them moving away from you. If most of the animals are looking at you and appear jumpy you are too close.
• Move slowly and casually, not directly towards the wildlife, NEVER chase any wildlife, this includes keeping ALL pets in the vehicles away from direct contact with wildlife.
• DO NOT FEED THE ANIMALS, while it may get you a close up look, it is dangerous not only to you, but the wildlife as well.
• These animals tend to become pests, and invade campgrounds and picnic areas.
• Often times the only way to take care of problem animals is to have them exterminated.