Wildlife in Colorado

Revised April 2024

This list of selected Colorado government resources was prepared by the staff of the Colorado State Publications Library (CoSPL). Contact us at spl@cde.state.co.us

Wildlife abounds in the state and provides opportunities for various outdoor activities. Information about wildlife, wildlife protection, and the impacts on wildlife is available from several state agencies, but primarily from the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife. The following are selected Internet sites and print publications on this topic. The print publications can be borrowed from the Colorado State Publications Library.

• General Information
• Sports and Recreation
• Wildlife Species
• Selected Print and Electronic Publications
  

General Information:

Division of Parks and Wildlife Homepage - This page provides links to the activities of the CPW in the function of managing the state wildlife species and public wildlife areas, regulating hunting and fishing activities, conducting research, wildlife education and providing technical assistance.

Accessibility Information For Individuals With Disabilities - Links to pages with a wealth of information on opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate in and enjoy Colorado's wildlife-related activities.

Careers in Wildlife Management - This page provides a descriptions of various wildlife careers, including job descriptions and education requirements.

Kids Discovery Pages - For kids and teens to learn through species profiles, hear animal sounds, see sights, and answer puzzles.

Maps - A portal to hunting and fishing maps, GIS data and GeoPDF maps for mobile devices. Search for specific Parks and Wildlife maps in the map library.

Photo Gallery - Search or browse through free images from the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife.

Teaching and Learning Resources for Educators - Teaching and learning resources for educators to develop awareness, knowledge and skills which will result in informed decisions, responsible behavior, and constructive actions for wildlife. A list of educators resources is included.

Video Library - Browse or search wildlife videos from the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife. Watch videos on different species, hunting and fishing topics, and check out the "Video Survival Guide" which gives tips on how to survive in Colorado's back country.

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Sports and Recreation:

Check Out State Parks - Check out a State Parks pass and backpack from your local library!

Colorado Birding Trail - Learn the basics of bird watching. Includes detailed information on places to find particular species, along with general information on bird viewing trails.

Colorado Fishing Atlas - Interactive map of fishing opportunities, the fish species in each spot, driving directions, etc.

Fishing in Colorado - This web page provides links to a fishing conditions report, stream flows, and fishing with kids information among others.

Hunting in Colorado - This web site includes links to hunting seasons, licensing deadlines, and hunter education information plus much more.

Living with Wildlife - Helpful tips on how to live with wildlife such as deer, coyote, beaver, bats, bears, lions, geese, etc.

Outdoor Recreation - Information on all sorts of outdoor activities: biking, birding, camping, paddle-boarding, rock-climbing and more.

Search State Wildlife Areas - Click on a state map to choose a State Wildlife Area by county or region or search by name. Properties not only protect wildlife habitat, but also provide the public with opportunities to hunt, fish, and watch wildlife.

Survival - A step-by-step guide to survival in the wilderness from the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife. Includes chapters on fire, hypothermia and ice safety.

Viewing Wildlife in Colorado - Here are tips on how and where to see wildlife in a responsible manner that causes little or no disturbance or harm to the animals.

Wildlife Species

Aquatic Wildlife Research - Web page assists in the dissemination of information about on-going investigations by the Aquatic Wildlife Research Group which is developing the necessary knowledge, techniques, and procedures to effectively manage Colorado's aquatic wildlife.

Black-tailed Prairie Dog Relocation - Includes application forms, regulations, frequently asked questions plus links to general information on the black-tailed prairie dog.

Colorado Wetland Wildlife Conservation Program - The purpose of the Wetlands Program is to protect wetlands and wetland-dependent wildlife through incentives and other voluntary means. Several strategies embrace cooperation among various entities, and includes database and project monitoring.

Endangered, Threatened, and Wildlife Species of Special Concern - This web site lists the species common name, scientific name, and status plus many have links to further description of the species.

Gray Wolf Management - To prepare for any future wolf migrations into Colorado, the CPW has set up a multi-disciplinary work group that developed a draft Wolf Management Plan linked from this page plus other related documents to wolf management in other areas.

Insect Resources - Facts on insects from the Colorado State University Extension Service.

Species Profiles - Click on the name of the mammal, fish, bird, or amphibian and see the description, range, habitat, diet, reproduction, and endangered status.

Whirling Disease and Colorado's Trout - Important facts on this parasitic infection of trout and salmon including prevention and control.

Wildlife Research - Recent studies on aquatic animals, birds and mammals.

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Selected Print and Electronic Publications

Title: 2014 Colorado statewide comprehensive outdoor recreation plan : strategies for sustaining Colorado's outdoors heritage.
Call Number: NR14.2/OU6/2014/INTERNET
Publisher: Denver, Colo. : Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Department of Natural Resources : Land and Water Conservation Fund, 2014. Available online only.

Title: Colorado Outdoors
Call Number:NR6.14/current issue
Publisher: Colorado Division of Wildlife, bimonthly magazine

Title: A Field Guide to the Freshwater Mollusks of Colorado
Author: Harrold, Mardy Nelson and Guralnick, Robert P.
Call Number: NR6.8/M73/2010.
Publisher: Denver, Colo. : Colorado Division of Wildlife, 2010.

Title: Key to Tracks You May Find in Colorado
Call Number: NR14.2/T67/2015
Publisher: Denver, Colo : Colorado Parks and Wildlife [2015]

Title: Population estimation, survival estimation and range delineation for the Georgetown bighorn sheep herd, final report.
Call Number: NR14.15/46
Publisher: Denver, Colo. : Colorado Parks and Wildlife, [2015]

Title: Protect Colorado's lands and waters : learn how you can stop invasive species.
Call Number: NR14/25.2/P34/2016
Publisher: Denver, Colo. : Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Invasive Species Program, [2016]

Title: State Wildlife Action Plan: A Strategy for Conserving Wildlife in Colorado.
Publisher: Colorado Parks and Wildlife, 2015

Title: The Story of Colorado's Mule Deer (PDF)
Publisher: Colorado Division of Wildlife, [2013?] Available online only.

Title: Success of the Colorado Division of Wildlife's Lynx Reintroduction Program.(PDF)
Call Number: NR6.2/L99/2010/INTERNET
Publisher: Colorado Division of Wildlife, 2010. Available online only.

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