Colorado is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. If you are looking for a pristine location with a vast array of different landscapes such as high plains, deep canyons, mountains, forests, deserts among others then Colorado is the place that you should visit. Since the state has different ecological zones, you are bound to see a wide array of wildlife as well and this means that you will enjoy your outdoors even more. Colorado is the best place for you to take your adventure because the environment is tranquil and you get to interact with nature and get a breath of fresh air away from the challenges of daily life in the city. There are a lot of things that you can do and see in this state hence you should have it as one of your goes to tourist destinations.

Whether you are looking for a vibrant city or want an outdoor environment to enjoy some of the best views this state has everything for you. It is an ideal location for both summer and winter, although many people know it as a perfect winter location for many winter activities such as snow tubing, snowmobiling, snowboarding, skiing, and snowshoeing among other fun snow activities. The culture and diversity of this state are something refreshing and the people are friendly as well. There is a plethora of scintillating scenery and when you visit Colorado you will meet firsthand with the best natural environment coupled with charming people. Hiking is one of the fun activities that people usually enjoy when they visit the state. The panoramic landscape and different climatic conditions have led to the increase of different fauna and flora and this means that when you visit the state you are bound to see some of the creatures that you might not find elsewhere on the planet. Here are some of the dangerous animals that you might encounter during your trip to Colorado.

Mountain Goats

Mountain Goats in Colorado

It is imperative to understand that these mountain goats are not native to Colorado, however, they are thriving in the state, and ever since they continue multiplying in numbers. When visiting the state then you should stay away from these creatures. They are similar to the big horns and are usually very aggressive when nursing their young ones or during the mating season. It is imperative that when you are exploring the mountains you should be aware of these goats because they can cause deadly injuries. They are aggressive when they feel threatened hence the need to keep their distance.

Although these goats are seen in different parts of the mountains they usually like to spend their time alone in the mountains. You can see them enjoying their time in the area and a lush green terrain is a perfect place for them to thrive. Since the hunters and people have been driving to these environments the goats have felt threatened.

Bighorn sheep

Bighorn sheep

These are very large sheep that usually vary in color from dark brown, light brown, and white patches as well as huge curved horns. They thrive in the mountain range of the state. These sheep are usually non-aggressive for most parts of the year, however, during the mating season or when they are nursing their young ones, they can tend to be very aggressive and you avoid them when exploring the state. There is usually an ongoing fight between the male sheep and you can hear the curled horns clashing against each other the concept is very unique because both male sheep propel themselves against each other at about 50 kilometers per hour before clashing the horns.

In most cases when visiting you should keep a safe distance and you will be safe when visiting the region. These sheep usually grow and weigh up to 260 pounds hence the need to avoid them during their aggressive period. Most of them are usually stubborn and very territorial and hence the need to always look out for yourself when visiting the region.

Coyote

Coyote in Colorado

Many people are misled or are fooled by the small size of the coyotes, these creatures are very dangerous and you should avoid them by all means. They pose a major threat to your life in the jungle or when exploring the different parts of the state. They are known to usually hunt in a pack and hence tend to have a pack mentality and will attack you in packs hence they can cause severe injuries and damage to your body.

 You can avoid coyote attacks by staying in your lane and not provoking the animals. You stay a considerable distance to avoid their attack and if you see them and you are unable to deal with them then it is better that you report them to a ranger. They are very adaptable creatures since they have been thriving in the Midwest for years now. It is important to understand that they are very intelligent creatures and they will attack when they want to therefore the need for you to avoid them.

Rattlesnake

Rattlesnake in Colorado

This is one of the dangerous animals that you should avoid when you visit Colorado. This type of snake is also known as dangerous in Texas and popular hazardous in Costa Rica. The snakes usually thrive in the prairies and these snakes usually have triangle-shaped heads with heavy bodies. They are found all over in Colorado and you should take care when exploring the state. Generally, these snakes usually hide from people and they do not attack people unless they feel that you are threatening their existence. You must check out places that you are visiting to ensure that you get the best. They are highly venomous and when they bite they usually deliver venom that causes tissue necrosis and failure of organs. In some situations, the victim will lose consciousness, have trouble breathing, and most likely lose muscle function. In a situation where the snake bites you then it is integral that you should seek medical attention immediately.

Black Bear

Black bear in Colorado

The black bears are the other creatures that you are likely to encounter during your trip to Colorado. This animal is also considered as dangerous one in Laos. These are some species that have been in different areas from Ohio to the state of Colorado. It is important to note that bear attacks are usually very rare, however, they can happen. When you are exploring the state, you should be careful to avoid them. They can attack when they feel that they are threatened or when you find them nursing their young ones. They have very strong arms and teeth and they can tear flesh very fast hence the need to take heed. Depending on the season you are visiting the region you will find them avoid humans as well. 

The bear can run fast too hence you should not go to their habitat and make noise or honk they will get agitated and are likely to attack you. Colorado has the largest black bear population therefore the chance of encountering them is very high. If a bear attacks you then you should seek immediate medical attention to prevent any kind of infection and organ damage.

Moose

Moose in Colorado

The moose is one of the animals that was introduced to Colorado about 30 years ago and they have since become one of the major animals in the region. They are very dangerous animals and you should avoid them because some people confuse them for the elks and hunt them and now, they have become very aggressive. Moose appear dark and they have a huge nose extending from the neck. If you are visiting the region then taking precautions is the best option because you easily avoid dangerous attacks that can happen. They are very aggressive when nursing their babies and during the mating season. It is important to note that some of them have grown so big and they can weigh over a thousand pounds hence they can attack and injure you.

Mountain Lion

Mountain lion in Colorado

The mountain lions are some of the creatures that you should avoid when visiting the state of Colorado. These creatures look grey to brown and depending on the time of the year their fur may vary in color. It is critical that you stay away from them because they are very dangerous. These lions are known by different names such as puma, panther, or cougars. The population of mountain lions in Colorado is over ten thousand and the number keeps rising. If you are exploring the state then there is a high chance that you might encounter one of them. They enjoy the foothills and canyons hence they are very protective of their habitat.

When visiting, it is imperative that you ensure that you do not disturb them in their natural habitat, and in a situation where they attack you then you should seek immediate medical attention. These mountain lions do not want to be provoked or see that you or see that you are endangering their young ones. They have very strong claws and teeth hence can pounce on prey very hard. The safest way that you can bet is to stay far away from them as possible.

Elk

Elk in Colorado

The elk population in Colorado is the largest in the world and according to data, there are over 280,000 of these animals in the state of Colorado. During the mating season, things can change from the better to the uglier because these elks are very dangerous and they can attack you. Hunters have been on their necks for years now and they have become defensive hence when they see that you are interfering with their habitat then they are likely to attack you. These elks have grown to humongous height and weight and some can weigh up to 700 pounds hence if they find you, they are likely to injure you.

They are very dangerous creatures and the females are very aggressive during the spring season while the males are very dangerous during the fall season. Since they are very unpredictable it is then safer that you stay away from these animals. Always take precautions when visiting the region.

Brown Recluse Spider

Brown Reclusa in Colorado

The brown recluse spider is one of the most dangerous creatures and you should avoid the places that are known to thrive in the environment. They are found in the different areas of the state and they are characterized by their brown color and hourglass-shaped body. 

These spiders usually have very dangerous venom. In as much as they seem docile or less aggressive, you should avoid these creatures because they are very dangerous. The venom is known to cause tissue and organ failure. If the spider stings you then it is critical that you seek immediate medical attention because the attack can be fatal. The side effects of the venom include poor vision, loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing among others. The area where you are attacked is likely to have a permanent scar because the spiders are very dangerous creatures.

Ticks

Tick in Colorado

Many people tend to underestimate these tiny creatures because of their shape and texture, this creature is very dangerous because it sucks blood and they bite even larger animals such as mountain lions and dogs. The problem is that they can transfer the bacteria from other animals to you. They have very sharp proboscis and can penetrate your skin easily. These ticks are very dangerous, especially during the summer period and you should watch out for them if you are visiting the state. Some of the side effects include headaches, chills, fatigue, and fever.

There are other cases where the victims display other severe conditions and you should always try to avoid them when you are visiting this location. The best way that you can deal with this is to always carry bug spray that way you will not have any insect bites. However, if the condition becomes severe then you can seek immediate medical attention.

In conclusion, Colorado is the perfect state that you should visit and explore all the amazing features that this state has to offer. Besides, you get the opportunity to see different animals firsthand. The city is perfect for colorful nights as well and whether you like the outdoor environment or city you are sure that Colorado has something for you to do and see.

Aurimas Bio

Hi there! I’m Aurimas, a man behind Go Look Explore. I’m passionate about hiking, exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, and everything outdoors related. Let’s connect.