Where to see wildlife around Evergreen

Wildlife

With open space on one side and a lake behind the yard, the foothills come to you. A little patience and good timing go a long way — here's what to look for around Evergreen.

The headliners: elk

Evergreen is elk country. As the weather cools, herds drift down through Elk Meadow and the surrounding open space, and the autumn rut — roughly September into October — fills the mornings with the strange, carrying sound of bugling bulls. Dawn and dusk are prime.

Deer, fox, and the quiet regulars

Mule deer are the calm constants, browsing the tree line most mornings and evenings. Watch the edge of the open space at first and last light and you may catch a red fox trotting a hunting line through the grass. Coyotes are heard more than seen after dark, and black bears pass through in the warmer months — shy, and a good reason to keep food and trash secured.

Birds, and a morning at the lake

Evergreen Lake is one of the best easy birding spots around, with a marsh, willow islands, and ponderosa woodland all in a short loop. Steller's jays flash cobalt through the pines, broad-tailed hummingbirds trill through summer, red-tailed hawks ride the thermals, and bald eagles perch in the tall trees along the lake through the warmer months.

Watch it right

• Keep your distance — if an animal changes its behavior because of you, you're too close.
• Never feed wildlife; it makes animals sick and unsafe, and it's illegal for a reason.
• Give elk especially wide berth during the fall rut and around calves in spring.
• Secure food and trash so bears stay wild.

Good to know — Sightings are seasonal and never guaranteed — that's what makes them special. Bring binoculars and let the animals come to you.

Distances, seasons, hours, and reservation rules are approximate and change — please check current conditions before you head out.