A Vast Array of Wildlife in Colorado
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Posted On :
Sep-03-2010
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Article Word Count :
691
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Colorado is a rugged mountain state, with diverse terrain, weather patterns and wildlife. As the eighth largest state in terms of land area, there is no shortage of animal or plant life stretching across the eastern plains and climbing the heights of the Rocky Mountains.
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Colorado is a rugged mountain state, with diverse terrain, weather patterns and wildlife. As the eighth largest state in terms of land area, there is no shortage of animal or plant life stretching across the eastern plains and climbing the heights of the Rocky Mountains.
Colorado’s elevation reaches a height of 14,440 feet at Mount Elbert in the central part of the state and drops off to a low of 3,317 feet at its eastern border. The relatively high elevation across the entire state means that only select wildlife will thrive, rare species and subspecies found only in Colorado.
Bighorn Sheep
The Bighorn Sheep is the symbol of Colorado wildlife as the state is home to the largest population of the species anywhere on earth. The sheep generally keep to the steep, rugged terrain of the Rocky Mountains, although some sub-species do inhabit the lower plains and deserts of Colorado.
While both male and female sheep grow horns, only the males exhibit the “curl” for which the species is famous. Generally, a male Bighorn Sheep achieves full curl by year 7 or 8. The large, dense horns are a useful tool in establishing dominance and territory among males and are the primary weapon when fighting amongst each other.
Hunting of Bighorn Sheep is highly regulated and only a few hundred tags are allowed annually. Bighorn Sheep can be found in the Steamboat Springs area on Game Management Unit S73, which is just north of the city.
Peregrine Falcon
Colorado is a seasonal home of the Peregrine Falcon which has been dubbed the fastest creature on earth. When attacking prey through the air, the predatory bird has been recorded at speeds of over 200 mph making it a fierce and deadly hunter. The American species of Peregrine Falcon nests exclusively in the state of Colorado, making it a true indigenous species.
Peregrine Falcons feed mainly on small rodents and birds and have been observed hunting in teams to distract and confuse prey. Midflight attacks on other birds are not uncommon, and are a testament to the falcon’s place among the top predators in North America.
The hunting of Peregrine Falcons is strictly forbidden in Colorado as it is a species of state concern, identified by Colorado Wildlife Management. One of the biggest sanctuaries for this endangered bird is at Dinosaur National Park. The park is located in Northwest Colorado, on the border of Utah.
Greenback Cutthroat Trout
Although trout are the most prominent species of fish inhabiting the state of Colorado, the Greenback Cutthroat Trout is the state’s rarest sub-species. The Greenback Cutthroat is the official state fish of Colorado, and was named such due to the bright red coloring of its throat and gills. They can be found in the coldwater streams that make up the headwaters of the Platte and Arkansas rivers, high in the Rocky Mountains. Their diet is similar to other sub-species of trout and includes small crustaceans, insects and sometimes small fish.
The introduction of other sub-species of trout to the Greenback’s original habitat severely reduced its numbers, although conservation and breeding efforts are in full effect to help bring the population of this rare fish back to acceptable levels.
The purposeful fishing of Greenback Cutthroat Trout is prohibited and if caught, must be immediately released upon recognition of the species.
Colorado’s Dedication to Conservation & Preservation
There are literally hundreds of species not on this list that can be found in the wilderness of Colorado as you hike the trails and fish the streams. As one of the most bountiful states in terms of wildlife and natural resources, Colorado is dedicated to the conservation and preservation of its existing wildlife for all to enjoy. Colorado invites you to revel in its natural beauty, observe its unique wildlife, and create an outdoor experience that you will remember for years to come.
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Article Source :
http://www.articleseen.com/Article_A Vast Array of Wildlife in Colorado_31593.aspx
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Author Resource :
Amy Davis currently works with Marabou, a shared ranch in Colorado. Her decade of experience in the luxury real estate market includes selling homes and property in Colorado and California. She is an expert at representing and assisting buyers of luxury real estate.
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Keywords :
shared ranch in Colorado, property in Colorado,
Category :
Finance
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Real Estate
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