Omayra Acevedo, Peak to Peak. Just as the seasons were turning, I decided to get in the truck and just drive. I find that spontaneity almost always offers the best experiences for me. I guess you can say that adventure suits me well. While driving around, I found myself experiencing equal opportunities in two completely different places. I have discovered that, besides the expense of gas, driving is a fairly inexpensive and easy way to explore and discover a lot of what Colorado has to offer. 

On this particular day, I had the best luck with wildlife. First, I saw a unicorn, followed by a Pegasus and then a swarm of dragons. Obviously, I’m kidding. I only see those in my dreams. What I did see was a huge herd of Elk, followed by Deer, one Gray Fox, two Coyotes, five Moose and two herds of Bison. The first herd of Bison I caught sight of was right off I70 as you take Exit #254 in Genesee. I’ve driven past many times to no avail. That day was different. I pulled off and with my camera in hand, walked right up to the fence.

From my research, Bison have been populating Genesee Park since 1914 as part of Colorado conservation efforts. If you haven’t been, I recommend you do. But please keep in mind that this land is their home and we are merely guests. Behave with respect as you would expect visitors in your own home to behave. 

My next stop was not too far from Genesee, at the Big E Game Ranch on North Turkey Creek Road in Evergreen. This is home of the White Buffalo, Elk and Fallow Deer. The White Buffalo is considered the spirit of the emerging West. It occurs, however, as a rarity and due to genetic mutation. Regardless of how animals come to be, they truly offer things you can’t get via human interactions. 

That was my favorite part about working with animals. The connections I made with those creatures were truly priceless and unforgettable. The few friends I do have, call me a wildlife magnet. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Bison, also called American Buffalo, can be seen all over Colorado. You just have to keep your eyes open. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, The Wild Animal Sanctuary and Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge are a few places to spot these amazing creatures. Buffalo or Bison; call them what you will, but these fascinating, massive animals are part of our history and they should be cherished for all that they are. 

What did the grape say when the buffalo stood on it? Nothing, it just let out a little wine. 

(Originally published in the December 19, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)