NPS/D. Goodman For a complete list of mammal species found at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, use the tool below. Select 'Mammals' under species category. Select a Park:Select a Species Category (optional):
Search results will be displayed here.
NPS/D. Goodman 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 Black Canyon and therefore efforts to reduce habituation or access to food is critical. Learn more about bear safety and proper food storage. 
NPS 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.Bobcats are stealthy hunters. Their diet consists mostly of rabbits, but will also eat mice, voles and birds. They are active year-round and breed in late winter and spring. 
NPS/Neal Herbert 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 may be seen at the North Rim. Throughout the year, and particularly during the rut, visitors should stay at least 150 feet away from elk and view them safely through binoculars or telephoto lenses. 
NPS/Jeremy Stringfield Golden-mantled Ground SquirrelGolden-mantled ground squirrels (Spermophilus lateralis) are one of three squirrel species present in the park. Their typical size is 9 to 12 inches (23 to 30 cm). These squirrels are reddish-tan colored with two lateral white and black stripes along its sides. They are found throughout rocky areas, forests, meadows, and woodlands and burrow in rock outcrops or underground. Golden-mantled ground squirrels are omnivores and eat mostly of leaves, fungi, seeds, nuts, roots, insects, and carrion. Since these squirrels' frequent areas where humans are, visitors should keep food stored properly and not feed any wildlife. 
NPS/Jeremy Stringfield Long-tailed WeaselLong-tailed Weasel (Mustela frenata) is the largest of the three weasels found in North America. A typical weasel shape is a long body, short legs, pointed face, and long tail. In summer, they have brown fur with a lighter coloration underneath. In winter, its coat turns white to blend with snow. Their habitat is usually forests, open grassy meadows, and near water sources.Weasels are carnivores and very efficient predators. They mostly consume voles, mice, squirrels, rabbits. Less common prey are birds, snakes, frogs, and insects. Weasels consume 20 to 40 percent of their body weight daily. 
NPS/D. Goodman 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 Mountain LionMountain lion (Puma concolor) are the largest predators in Black Canyon. They can also be known as pumas or cougars. Mountain lions can weigh up to 200 pounds (91 kg) and be 8 feet (2.4 m) long. Males are larger than females. Their fur is a tan-brown color with a white throat. Their powerful neck, jaw, and hind legs make them agile jumpers are lethal hunters. These animals are generally solitary, and males travel alone. They have large seasonal territories that move with migration of prey, such as elk and deer herds. Mountain lion sightings are rare, but visitors should be aware of safety guidelines around them. 
NPS/D. Goodman 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 mating season or the “rut.” 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. Mule deer are particularly active at dawn and dusk. Visitors should drive with caution and pay attention along roadways to avoid collisions with wildlife. 
NPS River OtterThe North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) is uncommon in the park but have been documented along the Gunnison River. River otters can be 10 to 30 pounds (4.5 to 14 kg) and 2 to 3 feet (0.6 to 0.9 m) long. They are generally found near water and mostly eat fish and small reptiles. Their presence is a good indication of river ecosystem health.River otters are strong swimmers; a long body, webbed feet, and powerful tail help propel them. They can close their ears and nostrils when underwater, allowing them to stay below the surface for longer. River otters can run on land, but not quite as fast as they can swim. Due to conservation efforts, river otter populations have increased in recent years. Their status in Colorado was changed from endangered species to threatened species. 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/BLCA 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. 
Animals
Animals live in different habitats from canyon rim to river and require specific lifestyles to be successful. 
Wildlife Watching
Learn about safely viewing wildlife in the park. |
Last updated: November 4, 2024