I often find myself craving a Discover Colorado experience. When I can’t travel, I look through my photos in search of something that will satisfy that hunger. While reminiscing over my Rocky Mountain adventures recently, I noticed that though the towns I visit all offer something unique, they all have one thing in common for me.

Regardless of where I go, I always have an unintentional wildlife encounter. Whether it’s from a safe distance or too close for comfort, I always manage to bump into them. I never intentionally approach wildlife and always keep my distance when they’re around. Not only for my safety but theirs as well. It’s a simple way of co-existing and showing them respect.

Moose, elk, deer, owls, bobcats, bears, ermines, martens, raccoons, coyotes, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, hawks, and mountain goats have all been part of my journey while I’m out exploring. The one thing I’ve yet to see in the wild is a catamount and I can’t wait for the day!

I saw a bighorn ram once that seemed to have survived an almost near-fatal attack. As gruesome as it looked, I couldn’t help but take photos of it. I’ve witnessed a convocation of eagles tearing into an elk carcass, a hawk killing another bird, and a fox running with a mouth full of bloody meat.

I’ve captured some cute and funny things as well, such as a momma raccoon and her kits, owls nesting, elk and deer locking antlers, moose swimming across bodies of water, a hummingbird and a woodpecker eating from the same feeder at the same time, a woodpecker and squirrel facing off, a bear climbing a tree, and I’ve even seen hummingbird eggs turn into hatchlings.

During one of my windy hikes, the grass was so overgrown that it was difficult to see or notice anything. It doesn’t help that I’m super short and wildlife tends to blend in very well with their environment. It was too late when I noticed I had accidentally come between a momma moose and her calf. Before I knew it, I was running for my life.

Two things came to mind while I ran. The first was what the headline of my death would read. The second was that I was hoping the animals wouldn’t be destroyed for doing what comes naturally to them. I was, after all, in their home. Luckily, the ordeal was short-lived and I was able to safely observe them and take pictures.

Sometimes what makes a place so incredible is the vibe of the people, the activities, the town decor, or the collective energy of everything. But it’s also the wild things that call these places home that make my Colorado experiences so magical. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

To learn more about Colorado wildlife visit: https://cpw.state.co.us/