standard
Things to do
Take a Walk on the WILD Side
Mesa Verde is more than a window into the past—it’s a living, breathing landscape filled with natural wonder. From mule deer and coyotes to mountain lions, bats, and countless birds and invertebrates, the park’s diverse habitats are alive with wildlife. Keep your eyes open—Mesa Verde’s wild residents roam freely, just as they have for centuries.
none
true
section
false
center
false
darken-20
top-to-bottom
section-background
20
100
none
filled
color-primary
outlined
color-white
The Species that Roam the Park
square-image-top
3
manual
false
false
false
Mule Deer
Mule deer are very common in the park, and it is quite normal to spot them nightly from the lodge balcony.
filled
color-secondary
outlined
color-white
false
Black Bear
Black bears inhabit Mesa Verde, and you may encounter one on a trail. Be Bear Aware: Read the latest bear safety information from the National Park Service.
filled
color-primary
outlined
color-white
false
Wild Turkeys
Evidence has shown that domesticated turkeys were part of the Ancestral Pueblo people's diet and wild turkeys were reintroduced to the area in the 1990s.
CTA 1 Text
CTA 1 Text
filled
color-primary
outlined
color-white
false
Mexican Spotted Owl & Other Birds
The Mexican Spotted Owl—one of the largest and rarest owl species—is a breathtaking sight and a federally listed endangered species. Spotting one in Mesa Verde is nothing short of magical.
View Latest Bird List
View Latest Bird List
filled
color-secondary
outlined
color-white