|  | Public Health Safety | Outdoor Safety

Indigenous Plants & Animals of Denver, CO

In the foothills of the western Rocky Mountain slopes, Denver has a diverse ecology of flora and fauna within the city. It can make for an enjoyable day to hike along the city trails and spot all the local wildflowers or spot herds of deer darting through the trees. The city of Denver goes to great lengths to preserve and protect its indigenous populations.

  1. Raccoons

    • Raccoons flourish in Denver, and in many cases are considered a pest, as they raid garbage cans and create quite the mess around homes. If driven out of a forested area, they are known to nest in attics and chimneys.

    Deer and Elk

    • Herds of mule deer and elk are common sights throughout Denver--unfortunately often as victims of car accidents. They forage on domestic gardens and travel through local parks. Mule deer and elk populations are monitored by local wildlife foundations to ensure the survival of proper habitats and to keep a healthy degree of separation between the herds and humans.

    Bears

    • Like raccoons, bears are drawn to Denver because of the abundance of garbage and food that can be found throughout neighborhoods. They are more commonly seen during the colder months as food in the mountains becomes scarcer. Any bear sightings within Denver should be reported to professional wildlife control.

    Colorado Columbine

    • The Colorado state flower is the columbine, a purple, blue and white flower that thrives in the often hot and arid Denver environment. It mostly is found blooming in July and August throughout Denver and the surrounding woodlands.

    Prickly Pear Cactus

    • The prickly pear cactus is a native plant to Denver and is found from the foothills up to 8,000 feet in the mountains. It survives well in dry, sandy soil and its yellow flowers open in late spring to early summer before producing an edible red fruit in the fall. It is one of Denver's hardier plants and often survives drought conditions.

    Aspen Daisy

    • The aspen daisy is a perennial plant that prefers sunny locations and can often be spotted along the road as you drive around Denver. It prefers sunshine, and is popular for its ability to be easily transplanted and rapid growth. Look for the flowers from June to September, mostly in lower elevations.

Outdoor Safety - Related Articles