Park County Colorado Real Estate BlogRecently posted or modified blog posts in the category - Wildlifehttps://www.jeffreal.com/blog/Copyright JeffReal.com2021-12-05T14:46:49-07:00tag:jeffreal.com,2012-09-20:16814South Park Pronghorn<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3648/image/Antelope_TPR.jpg" alt="pronghorn herd" width="800" height="600" title="pronghorn herd" />
The South Park pronghorn herd (PH-30) has the distinction as being the highest elevation herd within the state of Colorado. This herd is likely at the extent of the pronghorn's habitat range, occupying a high elevation (9,000-10,000 feet) grassland steppe ecosystem. It is a relatively small herd that has maintained around 1,000 animals in recent years, but has seen numbers as low as 300 in the early 1970s. This herd experiences periodic low recruitment rates and it is not uncommon to see pre-hunt fawn:doe ratios fall below 20: 100. Game damage issues in the past kept harvest high and the overall population well below 1,000 in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Extended periods of drought and severe winters appear to be limiting factors for this herd more recently. <br /> Significant Issues
<br /> Game damage has been a concern historically, but there have been few complaints in recent years. Based on public input gathered through meetings and a survey, the public is generally satisfied with current management although there is a desire for a slight increase in population and a buck to doe ratio above 25:100.
JoAnn MacDougall
Email: <a href="mailto:JoAnn@JeffReal.com">JoAnn@JeffReal.com</a>
Cell Phone: 719.838.0117
Office Phone: 719.838.70042020-11-02T14:45:00-07:002021-12-05T14:46:49-07:00JoAnn MacDougalltag:jeffreal.com,2012-09-20:16787Enjoy Moose Watching in South Park <img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3648/image/P7190732.JPG" alt="Bull Moose" width="800" height="600" title="Bull Moose" />
One thing is for certain. Moose aren't the most eloquent creatures, but they sure are cool. Standing over six feet tall and weighing between 600 and 1,600 pounds, moose are a common sight within Rocky Mountain National Park and a visitor favorite.
But until the late 1970s it was rare to catch a glimpse of moose in Colorado, even though there are records of moose sightings as far back as the 1850s, according to an Aspen Daily News article. In 1978, Colorado Parks and Wildlife first introduced 12 moose from Utah to the area west of the Never Summer Mountains near the town of Walden. In 1979, another 12 from Wyoming were released in the same region in the Illinois River drainage. This early population thrived and some moved into the Laramie River Valley. In 1987 a transplant of 12 moose from Wyoming helped establish a strong population in that valley as well.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3648/image/Bull_Moose_-.JPG" alt="Bull Moose" width="800" height="598" title="Bull Moose" />
Today, the state's moose populations are doing well with an estimated 2,500 living throughout the state, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Moose are primarily found on the west side of the park, but they are occasionally spotted in wet areas on the east side as well.
Seeing moose in the Park typically is not that difficult. Since they are so large it's hard to miss them grazing in the low-lying valleys and wet areas near lakes. Moose are known to return to a favorite feeding ground with surprising regularity each year which makes it easier for rangers to predict where they will be. As long as there are aquatic grasses and willows to feed on, they will stay in the same area.
Rangers suggest heading up the Kawuneeche Valley and also the Colorado River near Timber Creek Campground on the west side of the park. Another great spot is along the Colorado River up by Lulu City, also on the west side of the park. Though a bit of a hike, moose are known to graze here and the seasonal springtime wildflowers are spectacular.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3648/image/085.JPG" alt="Cow Moose" width="800" height="600" title="Cow Moose" />
Safe Moose Watching
If you do happen to see a moose make sure to remember they are wild and unpredictable. Since moose on a whole don't have the best eyesight it is imperative you do not approach them. Typically moose on guard either raise their head high, or dip their head to a low position. If you do happen to encounter an angry moose it is best to leave slowly and not provoke the animal.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3648/image/20190606_085951.jpg" alt="Bull Moose" width="800" height="600" title="Bull Moose" />
Moose aren't small. In fact they are quite large and rather clumsy looking. Traveling typically in small groups, moose feed on water plants, aspen, and willow. It is not rare to see a cow traveling with her mate or calf close behind.
JoAnn MacDougall
Email: <a href="mailto:JoAnn@JeffReal.com">JoAnn@JeffReal.com</a>
Cell Phone: 719.838.0117
Office Phone: 719.838.70042020-09-25T15:06:00-07:002021-12-04T16:12:59-07:00JoAnn MacDougalltag:jeffreal.com,2012-09-20:16789Elk Season<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3648/image/Elk_1.jpg" alt="Cow Elk" width="800" height="600" title="Cow Elk" />
As Fall draws near, we have the opportunity to witness the spectacular event of Full Rut. If you are love watching Elk and capturing amazing photos and videos of these majestic creatures, now is the time. Please respect the wildlife and do not feed them or approach them.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3648/image/elk_2.jpg" alt="Small herd of Elk" width="800" height="527" title="Small herd of Elk" />
The meadows in Michigan Hill and Jefferson Heights are filled with large herds right now. Take a drive through these neighborhoods around dusk and bring your camera. If you do not see the Elk, just turn off your car and listen. Their Bugling will lead you straight to the herd.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3648/image/Elk_3.jpg" alt="Elk crossing the road" width="619" height="600" title="Elk crossing the road" />
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3648/image/Elk_4.jpg" alt="Elk crossing the road" width="800" height="457" title="Elk crossing the road" />
Jefferson Real Estate
Email: <a href="mailto:Info@JeffReal.com">Info@JeffReal.com</a>
Office Phone: 719.836.26152020-09-18T15:23:00-07:002021-12-04T16:28:40-07:00Kevin Copeland