Consisting of several habitats, Mesa Verde National Park houses around 74 species of mammals, 200 species of birds, 16 species of reptiles, 5 species of amphibians, 6 species of fishes, and over 1,000 species of insects and other invertebrates. Coyotes, mountain lions, bats and other wildlife roam the park. Please remember never to feed, touch or approach wildlife.
Mule Deer
Mule deer are very common in the park and most visitors spot a deer at some point during their visit.
Black Bear
Black bears do inhabit in Mesa Verde and you may encounter one on a trail. Be Bear Aware: Read the latest bear safety information from the National Park Service.
Wild Turkeys
Evidence has shown that domesticated turkeys were part of the Ancestral Puebloan diet and wild turkeys were reintroduced to the area in the 1990s.
Mexican Spotted Owl & Other Birds
The Mexican Spotted Owl is on the endangered species list and is one of the larger owl species. Birding in Mesa Verde National Park is a popular activity due to the variety of birds that can be seen in the area.
In partnership with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, you can now get the inside scoop on which birds you might see during your next visit!
