NPS/Lisa Lynch For a complete list of mammal species found at Curecanti National Recreation Area, use the tool below. Select 'Mammals' under species category. Select a Park:Select a Species Category (optional):
Search results will be displayed here.
NPS Bighorn SheepRocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis) are the largest wild sheep in North America. They typically exist in social groups, but males (rams) and females (ewes) live separately outside mating season. Bighorn sheep prefer areas with grasses, shrubs, and rock cover. In the park, one may see them along inaccessible cliffs of the inner canyon.Rams can weigh 150 to 200 lbs (68 to 90 kg). Ewes are slightly smaller at 75 to 150 lbs (34 to 68 kg). Coats are usually gray and brown, becoming thick and lighter in color during the winter. Rams have large horns that curl around their faces. Ewes have smaller horns that curve slightly. Their vision, hearing, and highly developed sense of smell can detect danger from far away. Specialized hooves and soles help the animals grip steep, rocky surfaces when jumping or climbing. 
NPS/Jeremy Stringfield Black BearAmerican Black Bear (Ursus americanus) are commonly seen along trails or roadways at the park. They are active both day and night. Black bears can be a variety of colors, including blonde, cinnamon, black, light and chocolate brown. Size depends on a bear's age. Spring cubs are smaller, weighing roughly 10 to 20 pounds (4.5 to 9 kg). Yearlings, or bears born the previous year, are typically 40 to 70 pounds (18 to 32 kg). Adult bears can be between 100 to 400 pounds (45 to 100 kgs). Bears' food sources are largely tied to seasons and consist of grasses, insects, berries, acorns, and sometimes deceased animals killed by other predators.Bears are an important part of the ecosystem at Curecanti and therefore efforts to reduce habituation or access to food is critical. Campers should store all food, trash, and scented items in provided food storage boxes or hard-sided bear canisters. 
NPS/Lisa Lynch BobcatThe bobcat (Lynx rufus) is seldom seen by visitors. Their physical appearance is similar to a lynx, but distinguishable by their black-tipped "bobbed" tail and smaller ear tufts. Bobcats can be around 3 feet (1 m) long and weight 15 to 35 pounds (6 to 16 kg). Bobcats occur widely across North America and the most common wild cat. They prefer foothills, canyons, mesas, and plateaus. 
NPS CoyoteCoyote (Canis latrans) are a wild canine found across North America. In the 1900s, efforts were made to eradicate coyotes as they posted a threat to livestock. Despite this, the species continues to thrive and is very adaptable. Their habitat ranges from forests to mountains and even urban areas. Coyotes can weigh between 25 to 35 pounds (11 to 16 kg) and roughly one third the size of a wolf. Their coloration varies by location and season but is either pale grey or a reddish brown. They are omnivores and forage for birds, eggs, rodents, rabbits, and carrion. These animals are mostly active at dawn and dusk. 
NPS/Vida Turek ElkElk (Cervus canadensis), also known as wapiti, are the largest native deer in Colorado. Bull elk (male) weigh up to 900 pounds (408 kg), while cows (female) are typically 400 to 600 pounds (181 to 272 kg). Coloration varies from deep brown on top and a lighter rump and lower legs. Only bull elk have large, heavy antlers. Elk graze in meadows and alpine tundras in more mountainous areas of the state. Their diet includes grasses, shrubs, twigs, tree bark, and conifer needles.Mating season, or the "rut," occurs in fall. Bull elk bugle and may challenge each other for dominance and access to cows. These fights involve pushing and crashing antlers. After mating season, calves are usually born in late spring or early summer. Elk, as well as bighorn sheep and deer, come down from the mountains in winter to feed and avoid colder, snowier conditions at higher elevations. 
NPS Gunnison's Prairie DogThe Gunnison’s prairie dog (Cynomys gunnisoni) inhabits the sagebrush and grassland environment of Curecanti. This species is part of the same family which includes squirrels, chipmunks, and marmots. Prairie dogs are preyed upon by coyotes, hawks, eagles, and badgers.Prairie dogs are very social creatures and have a well-developed communication system. Prairie dogs live in colonies which are loosely organized into clans called coteries. Their burrows can extend for 15 to 86 feet (4.6 to 26.6 m), with several chambers used as nurseries, toilets, resting areas and air pockets in the event of flooding. At Curecanti, the prairie dog population presents a special concern. The prairie dog carries fleas that can harbor plague bacteria (Yersinia pestiis). This can knock back or eliminate a prairie dog population. Other rodent and small mammals can harbor these bacteria as well. 
NPS Photo Mountain CottontailMountain cottontail (Sylvilagus nuttallii) is the most common rabbit species found in the park. This species exists throughout the western U.S. These animals are medium sized, generally weighing 2 to 3 pounds (0.9 to 1.3 kg). They have a gray coat, white underbelly, and short ears rounded at the tip. 
NPS/Morgan Gresser-MacGregor Mule DeerMule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) are found throughout western North America. They occur in a variety of habitats – from open deserts to mountains to developed urban areas. Mule deer are slightly larger and heavier than white-tailed deer. Adults can weigh up to 100 pounds (females) and 300 pounds (males). Males (bucks) have antlers used to fight other male competitors during fall mating season or the “rut.” Following the rut, bucks focus less on mating and more on survival. The herd will move to lower elevations during winter to forage where snow is less deep. Within the park, mule deer are usually seen along trails in dense brushy areas. They are herbivores and feed on shrubs, woody materials, and sometimes grasses. In deep snow, mule deer rely on more readily available foods like sagebrush and juniper 
NPS/Morgan Gresser-MacGregor Red FoxThe rex fox (Vulpes vulpes) is a member of the canid family, which includes wolves, coyotes, and domestic dogs. They are smaller than coyotes, weighing 8 to 15 pounds. They are not always red, but have four recognized color phases: red, cross, silver, and black. Red foxes are common in woodlands, pastures, riparian and agricultural areas.Red foxes can range between five to ten square miles (8 to 16 square km) to find food. As opportunistic omnivores, they have a varied diet of eggs, small mammals, insects, fish, amphibians, worms, berries, and carrion. Their predators include coyotes, eagles, owls, bobcats, and mountain lions. Foxes are nocturnal and not seen often by visitors. They usually forage alone, and travel along the edges of forests, woodlands, and meadows. ResourcesAlden, Peter, and National Audubon Society. 1999. National Audubon Society Field Guide to the Rocky Mountain States. New York: A. Knopf; New York.Colorado Parks and Wildlife. "Species Profiles." https://cpw.state.co.us/species-profiles. Singer, Francis J. and Gudorf, Michelle A. "Restoration of bighorn sheep metapopulations in and near 15 national parks: Conservation of a severely fragmented species; Volume I, Planning, problem definition, findings, and restoration," U.S. Geological Survey. Open-File Report, 99-102 (1999): 51-59. https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/1999/0102/report.pdf Haymond S and Others. 2003. 2001-2002 Mammalian inventory final report for selected Northern Colorado Plateau Network parks. Albuquerque, NM NPSpecies Mammal Checklist. National Park Service, Integrated Resource Management Applications. https://irma.nps.gov/NPSpecies/Search/SpeciesList/CURE O’Dell, T., S. Garman, A. Evenden, M. Beer, E. Nance, S. Daw, A. Wight, M. Powell, D. Perry, R. DenBleyker, et al. 2004. Northern Colorado Plateau Network and Prototype Cluster, Plan for Natural Resources Monitoring, Phase III [two volumes]. National Park Service, Inventory and Monitoring Program, Northern Colorado Plateau Network, Moab, UT. 184 p. plus appendices. |
Last updated: January 29, 2025