Find these unique wildlife species at 5 spots in Fort Collins. Guaranteed!
Fort Collins is known for its natural beauty and attracts nature lovers of all kinds. Just by stepping outside, you are going to stumble across several of Colorado’s native species. These five natural areas rest just miles from your doorstep and are filled with iconic wildlife.
When encountering wildlife, always be safe and do not disturb them.
1. Douglas Reservoir State Wildlife Area
Douglas Reservoir is a state wildlife area north of Fort Collins. State wildlife areas require visitors 16 and older to have a hunting, fishing or state wildlife pass to enter. Bird watchers have seen bald eagles, waterfowl like ducks, gulls and loons and even the beautiful Northern Shrike in the winter. The riparian area provides habitat for nesting shorebirds that can be found using the Colorado birding trail guide. Observations from iNaturalist have documented herptiles such as the prairie rattlesnake and Woodhouse’s toad.
County: Larimer
Hours: Daylight hours
Popular for bird watching
2. Riverbend Ponds Natural Area
Riverbend Ponds Natural Area spans over three miles of trails and boardwalks along the Cache la Poudre River perfect for hikers, dog-walkers and wildlife viewers. The ponds and wetlands are home to over 200 species of birds including green herons, American white pelicans, double-crested cormorants and many more. This guided river walk will take you through their beautiful habitat. Anglers may find largemouth bass, crappie and channel catfish.
County: Larimer
Hours: 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Popular for bird watching
3. Poudre River Trail
The Poudre River Trail stretches along 10 miles of the Poudre River in Fort Collins, Colorado. Recreationalists enjoy fishing, picnicking, walking, rafting and wildlife viewing. Some iconic species you will see at this site include: squirrel, rabbit, skunk, mice, opossum, raccoon, porcupine, prairie dogs, beaver, vole, fox, bat, coyote and the occasional deer around sunrise and sunset. The trail is popular for anglers and is brimming with insects and amphibians.
County: Larimer
Hours: Open always
4. Lory State Park
Lory State Park rests just 11 miles from Old Town Square, Fort Collins. This state park hosts over 175 species of migratory and resident birds, including Colorado’s state bird, the lark bunting. Bird watchers may spot the horned lark, western meadowlark, many birds of prey, waterfowl and shorebirds attracted to Horsetooth Reservoir. If you look closely, you may find rare species like the canyon wren, yellow-breasted chat, western tanager and broad-tailed hummingbird. It is common to spot mule deer, coyote, raccoon, striped skunk, Abert’s squirrel, cottontail, rabbit, porcupine, ground squirrel and red fox. More elusive species like the black bear, mountain lion, bobcat, elk and white-tailed deer may be found along the park’s 25 miles of forest and meadow trails.
County: Larimer
Hours: Daylight hours
Fee: $9 Day Pass
5. Red Fox Meadows Natural Area
This natural area is home to one mile of meandering meadow trails perfect for hikers and wildlife watchers. Red Fox Meadows has a stream system built to enhance wildlife habitat, prevent stormwater pollution and flash floods and improve water quality. The natural area is also used by local schools for classes about wildlife, ecology and the determinants of urban runoff. It is home to 80 different species of wildlife.
County: Larimer
Hours: 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
No matter where you go in Fort Collins, you are likely to run into a variety of wildlife. From birds, to fish, to mammals, you’re guaranteed to see some incredible creatures.
