Natural Areas

Wildlife in Fort Collins Natural Areas

Fort Collins is a great place for wildlife because its located where the prairies merge with the mountains. A remarkably rich diversity of wildlife can be seen here. Please visit with respect- use binoculars to get a close-up view. If a creature changes it's behavior because of your presence, you are too close.

Checklists

• Bird Checklist(PDF/93k)
• Checklist of Other Animals(PDF/37k)
• Soapstone Prairie Bioblitz species lists

Wildlife Information

• Bats- bats in Fort Collins and bat facts and myths Bat House Plan Courtesy: Bat House Builder's Handbook
• Bison
• Black-footed ferrets
• Understanding Flickers
• Build Your Own Flicker House Plans
• 2008 Frog Survey Report- Volunteer citizen scientists collected data on frogs in Fort Collins Natural Areas.
• 2009 Frog Survey Report
• Living with Wildife tips from Colorado Parks and Wildlife including beavers, coyotes, bears, and mountain lions.
• Mountain Lions
• Rattlesnakes- Be snake awake safety tips.
• Wildlife photos from motion activated cameras at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area.

The Great Outdoors is No Place for Cats

You can protect your cat and be a responsible owner by preventing it from being lost, killed or stolen- keep your cat indoors. Youll be helping birds too. Outdoor cats kill a surprising number of birds and small mammals. The American Bird Conservancy estimates that outdoor and feral cats kill 1.4 billion birds a year. A recent study by the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute found that cats were responsible for about half the deaths of gray catbirds (Dumatella carolinensis) in a suburban environment.

Domestic cats are not part of natural ecosystems, they compete with native predators, and they can transmit diseases to wildlife. Indoor cats live longer, healthier lives. City code section 4-93 prohibits pet animals at large, including cats. For these reasons, the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department encourages you to keep your cat indoors. Learn more from the American Bird Conservancy and The Wildlife Society.

Where to Go

• Prime Natural Areas for Wildlife Viewing