Colorado Parks and Wildlife

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Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW)• Wildlife • State Parks • Outdoor Recreation • Conservation

The mission of Colorado Parks and Wildlife is to perpetuate the wildlife resources of the state, to provide a quality state parks system, and to provide enjoyable and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities that educate and inspire current and future generations to serve as active stewards of Colorado's natural resources.

08/23/2024

Bears are HUNGRY

Black bears in Colorado are entering hyperphagia — meaning they will spend up to 20 hours a day trying to search out and eat as much food as possible as they fatten up for winter. Bears that become dependent on food found in trash, bird seed, pet food, or windowsill pies, become too comfortable around people. This can lead to conflict with humans. So help keep bears wild and eating plants not plastic by removing all attractants from outside homes and campsites to prevent conflicts and encounters with black bears.

Learn more: https://cpw.info/46Wf1Kr

08/22/2024

p̶u̶m̶p̶k̶i̶n̶ ̶s̶p̶i̶c̶e̶d̶ ̶l̶a̶t̶t̶e̶ more like we like this hike a latte

The Crescent Meadows – Walker Ranch Loop in our Eldorado Canyon State Park is a difficult trail with incredible views. Plus, if you're feeling up for a challenge, the trail interconnects with Boulder County Parks and Open Space’s Walker Ranch Loop Trail for a potential 7-mile loop hike. Ready to learn more? Check out the full trail info now: https://cpw.info/3WViMLq

📸: CPW/Eric Schuette

08/22/2024

This one is a hoot 🦉

Grab your copy of the July/August edition of our Colorado Outdoors magazine now ➡️ https://cpw.info/3XdjlSb

08/21/2024

Movin' Moose

Last month, our wildlife officers relocated this moose from a backyard in Littleton to a more suitable habitat. After our officers sedated the moose, they moved him from the backyard and into a truck for transportation. They gave him a reversal drug to wake him up and even stopped for gas on the way with the moose in tow. Once they arrived, the moose made his way out onto the landscape and was no longer a backyard visitor. Great work by our team and thank you to the residents who called us to relocate this moose away from their home!

08/21/2024

Our website has a whole new look. Check it out now ➡️ https://cpw.state.co.us/

08/20/2024

From rehab to rewild-ing

This Swainson’s hawk spent nearly one year at our Frisco Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Del Norte after getting infected with West Nile Virus. Birds that get West Nile often show clinical signs such as emaciation, dehydration, abnormal molt or feather loss, weakness, recumbency, drooped head, anorexia, lethargy, and fluffed feathers.

It took most of the summer for this hawk to molt out its broken feathers and get back into flying condition. But at the start of August, it was ready to take flight so our team released the hawk near where it was originally found. Swainson's hawks migrate in September and October so this hawk's release is ideal for it to migrate this year. Good luck out there!

08/20/2024

We, along with Governor Jared Polis and Great Outdoors Colorado - GOCO just awarded $1.3 million in grant funding as part of our Outdoor Regional Partnerships Initiative.

This grant funding supports the development of conservation and recreation projects in Colorado. Congrats to the grant awardees!
-Eagle County Community Wildlife Roundtable
-Central Colorado Recreation Partnership
-Montelores Coalition
-Northwest Colorado Outdoor Coalition
-Outdoor Pikes Peak Initiative
-Pagosa Area Recreation Coalition
-Roaring Fork Outdoor Coalition
-Southeast Colorado Recreation Outdoor Alliance Movement
-West Slope Outdoors Alliance

Read more: https://cpw.info/3SVVi7Y

08/19/2024

Seen here: three healthy wolf pups (around 40-50 lbs) and one adult from the Copper Creek pack.

We received this video and our wolf biologists have reviewed and confirmed the validity of the video. You can see the wolf pups deeply focused on playing with each other. Playing not only allows a wolf pup to practice hunting behaviors but also teaches them how to communicate effectively with other wolves, which is a skill they will use throughout their lives as social creatures living in packs.

It’s important to remember, that if you live or recreate in the foothills or mountains of Colorado, you are in wolf country. Wolves are wild animals and should be treated with the same respect as any other wild animal.

We encourage anyone who believes they have seen a wolf to complete the Wolf Sighting Form. This information will help our biologists monitor wolves and their movement in Colorado. https://cpw.info/3Frl2lg

Video courtesy of Mike Usalavage

08/16/2024

Governor Polis has appointed two new members and reappointed two members to our Parks and Wildlife Commission

Tai Jacober of Carbondale was appointed to serve as a representative of agriculture producers west of the Continental Divide and Murphy Robinson of Littleton was appointed to serve as a representative of sportspersons. Polis also reappointed Dallas May and Jay Tuchton to the Parks and Wildlife Commission, with terms expiring July 1, 2028.

The Parks and Wildlife Commission is a citizen board, composed of 11 governor-appointed members, which sets regulations and policies for our state parks and wildlife programs. More info: https://cpw.info/4dqoqfx

08/16/2024

Catch and mid-release 🎣

📍 Long Draw Reservoir near Cameron Peak. Thanks to the grandad who shared these pictures with us!

08/15/2024

Elk herd on the move outside of Durango, Colorado. Plus peep those calves in the herd!

🎥 Courtesy of Maggie Guterl

08/14/2024

Flying into Wednesday

📸: CPW/Wayne D. Lewis

08/14/2024

Oh hello, Perseid meteor shower ✨

📸: CPW/Eric Schuette

08/13/2024

BIG TOAD NEWS TUESDAY

Wild boreal toad tadpoles have been discovered at a reintroduction site in Pitkin, Colorado. We have been reintroducing toads at this site since 2018, and this is the first time we have observed wild reproduction occurring!

Read more: cpw.info/3X1A5vu

08/09/2024

Sure...most of us will never be selected for the Olympics but if you're looking to try out a new Olympic-inspired sport, our state parks are a good place to start.

You can find archery, golf, kayaking, sailing, shooting ranges, volleyball, cycling and so so so much more at our state parks ➡️ https://cpw.info/4cj1UnG

08/09/2024

You might know "Duff" as the beer on The Simpsons, but "Duff" is also decaying leaf litter on the forest floor. Duff-eating decomposers like earthworms, millipedes, pill bugs & other invertebrates play a key role in putting nutrients into the soil & keeping forests healthy.

08/08/2024

Take a picture it will last longer! Well...okay WE WILL

And if you're looking to grab that pic, the Fountain Valley trail at our Roxborough State Park has TWO overlooks AND a historic site. This 2.5-mile trail winds through the Fountain and Lyons rock formations and is considered easy to moderate. Check it out - you may even luck out and spot a deer too - https://cpw.info/3WG66Yz

📸: CPW/Eric Schuette

08/07/2024

Toad Time

Boreal toads are Colorado's only alpine species of toad that reside between 8,500 and 11,500 feet and are listed as endangered in Colorado. For more than 30 years, we've devoted significant resources toward boreal toad research and continue to explore ways to recover this species. Most recently, we worked with the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance on a multi-year initiative to release more boreal toads into the wild.

08/07/2024

Volunteering outside >>>>>

Ready to volunteer for our Trackchair programs at Fishers Peak State Park and Lathrop State Park? Register to become a Trackchair Ambassador during training this upcoming Friday, August 9.

Details ➡️ https://cpw.info/3WSSquA

08/06/2024

ON SALE NOW 📢

Big game hunting licenses remaining after the primary and secondary draws, as well as over-the-counter licenses for elk, bear, archery pronghorn, and whitetail deer, are now (beginning Tuesday, August 6, at 9 a.m. Mountain Time) on sale.

➡️ https://cpw.info/38hBSpk

08/05/2024

No Monday blues here — TODAY, August 5, enjoy FREE entry to all Colorado state parks.

08/02/2024

This coming Monday! https://cpw.info/4frSCZe

08/02/2024

ON SALE TUESDAY 📢

Big game hunting licenses remaining after the primary and secondary draws, as well as over-the-counter licenses for elk, bear, archery pronghorn, and whitetail deer, will go on sale Tuesday, August 6, at 9 a.m. Mountain Time.

View the leftover list now: https://cpw.info/46vvLYP

08/01/2024

Land of the free because of the brave 🇺🇸 As a thank you, military members and veterans enjoy FREE entry to all Colorado state parks throughout August.

Tierra libra gracias a los valientes 🇺🇸 Como agradecimiento, los miembros militares y los veteranos disfrutan de entrada GRATUITA a todos los parques estatales de Colorado durante todo el mes de agosto:

More information | Más información: https://cpw.info/3WBTySm

08/01/2024

Happy Birthday, Colorado! 🎈🎉 To celebrate, get free entry into all Colorado state parks on Monday, August 5: https://cpw.info/4frSCZe

07/31/2024

Fishing for trout in THIS HEAT? Fishing for trout during a heatwave can be harmful and here is why ⬇️

🎣 Higher Water Temps: Trout thrive in cooler water. When water temperatures rise, it becomes stressful for the fish, reducing their ability to recover after being caught.

🎣 Lower Oxygen Levels: Warm water holds less oxygen than cold water. Trout require high levels of oxygen, and during a heatwave, the oxygen levels can drop to critical levels, making it hard for them to survive, especially after the stress of being caught.

🎣 Increased Stress: Handling and releasing trout in warm water increases their stress levels significantly. This can lead to a higher mortality rate even if they are released back into the water.

🎣 Preserving Fish Populations: Avoiding fishing during a heatwave helps protect trout populations from undue stress and potential mortality, ensuring healthier fish and more sustainable fishing in the long run.

🎣 If you absolutely must fish on a hot day, save it for early morning or the evening.

07/31/2024

We're on wildfire duty

Some of our wildlife officers are helping with wildlife and traffic control for the Stone Canyon Fire and are assisting fire crews with the Alexander Mountain Fire. Additionally, our Chatfield State Park is closed indefinitely for boating while helicopters and planes pull water from Chatfield Reservoir to fight the Quarry Fire. The closure will be lifted once the fire response is complete, but the park remains open for other recreational activities.

Be sure to check our state park webpage for any closures due to wildfires: https://cpw.info/3KUHRj5

07/29/2024

A juvenile double-crested cormorant can often be spotted sitting near the edge of water drying off and resting. Cormorants have less preen oil than other birds, so their feathers can get soaked. Their rest time is often necessary to properly dry their soaked feathers.

07/29/2024

Celebrate Colorado with FREE or discounted events in our State Parks 🥳

https://celebrate.colorado.gov/

07/26/2024

TEAM WILDLIFE 🥇 Here are some wildlife we think could compete in the Olympics

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http://cpw.state.co.us/

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Videos

Swainson’s hawk takes flight

From rehab to rewild-ing This Swainson’s hawk spent nearly one year at our Frisco Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Del Norte after getting infected with West Nile Virus. Birds that get West Nile often show clinical signs such as emaciation, dehydration, abnormal molt or feather loss, weakness, recumbency, drooped head, anorexia, lethargy, and fluffed feathers. It took most of the summer for this hawk to molt out its broken feathers and get back into flying condition. But at the start of August, it was ready to take flight so our team released the hawk near where it was originally found. Swainson's hawks migrate in September and October so this hawk's release is ideal for it to migrate this year. Good luck out there!

Wolf pups in Colorado

Seen here: three healthy wolf pups (around 40-50 lbs) and one adult from the Copper Creek pack. We received this video and our wolf biologists have reviewed and confirmed the validity of the video. You can see the wolf pups deeply focused on playing with each other. Playing not only allows a wolf pup to practice hunting behaviors but also teaches them how to communicate effectively with other wolves, which is a skill they will use throughout their lives as social creatures living in packs. It’s important to remember, that if you live or recreate in the foothills or mountains of Colorado, you are in wolf country. Wolves are wild animals and should be treated with the same respect as any other wild animal. We encourage anyone who believes they have seen a wolf to complete the Wolf Sighting Form. This information will help our biologists monitor wolves and their movement in Colorado. https://cpw.info/3Frl2lg Video courtesy of Mike Usalavage

Elk herd in Colorado

Elk herd on the move outside of Durango, Colorado. Plus peep those calves in the herd! 🎥 Courtesy of Maggie Guterl

Boreal toads in Colorado

BIG TOAD NEWS TUESDAY Wild boreal toad tadpoles have been discovered at a reintroduction site in Pitkin, Colorado. We have been reintroducing toads at this site since 2018, and this is the first time we have observed wild reproduction occurring! Read more: cpw.info/3X1A5vu

Boreal toad tadpoles in Colorado

Toad Time Boreal toads are Colorado's only alpine species of toad that reside between 8,500 and 11,500 feet and are listed as endangered in Colorado. For more than 30 years, we've devoted significant resources toward boreal toad research and continue to explore ways to recover this species. Most recently, we worked with the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance on a multi-year initiative to release more boreal toads into the wild. #WildlifeWednesday

Celebrate Colorado with FREE or discounted events in our State Parks 🥳 https://celebrate.colorado.gov/

Donate Now

We handed out 280 donor-gifted life jackets to kids early this summer. Help us hand out even more with your donation during CPW DAY of GIVING July 25: cpw.info/4cKIBVm

Keep Colorado Wild

🌲 + 🚗 = 😀 Get a $29 Keep Colorado Wild Pass with your next Colorado vehicle registration: cpw.info/keepcoloradowild

Donate during CPW Day of Giving

Thanks to donors, we handed out 800 fishing poles to kids early this summer in Colorado Springs. Help us give out more with your donation during CPW DAY of GIVING on July 25. We are a state government agency with “enterprise status,” meaning we generate more than 90 percent of our annual funding from sources other than taxes or Colorado's general fund. All dollars raised through the CPW Day of Giving will sponsor our programs and projects. DONATE during CPW Day of Giving, Thursday, July 25 or now: cpw.info/4cKIBVm

Mountain goats climb car

Well..you don't see this everyday Mountain goats have special hooves that help them travel up cliffs, steep slopes and in this case, a car. Their hooves have a hard outer rim and a soft rubbery bottom that acts like a suction cup. 📹 Courtesy of Michael Ryno

Adventures Of A Rookie Sportsperson: A Turkey Hunt To Remember

Our Rookie Sportsperson Program teaches skills needed to increase the chance of success while hunting, but success is not the only goal. The program’s primary mission is to encourage participants to have an active lifestyle that promotes the conservation of Colorado’s natural resources. Read more: https://cpw.info/4cxQQ75

Aira in Colorado state parks

All of our state park visitors, including blind or lower vision visitors, deserve access to our services and that is where Aira steps in. More info: https://cpw.info/3XOO3BK