Wildlife that frequent the area include black bear, mountain lion, bobcat, coyote, and various rodents and reptiles. The large meadows and south-facing canyon slopes provide valuable winter habitat for mule deer and elk. The best time to view these species is from November through March. You may also find wild turkeys or pheasants feeding in the meadows or a coyote stalking a cottontail rabbit. Golden eagles may be seen circling overhead in search of prey and during the winter months you may find bald eagles perched in the cottonwood trees along West Creek, and the Dolores and San Miguel rivers.
East Creek and West Creek provide examples of riparian habitat. The Latin word riparian means "lying adjacent to a stream or lake." Although riparian habitat makes up less than one percent of the total land mass in Colorado, it is used by 90 percent of all wildlife. An abundance of songbirds may be found in this habitat, especially during the spring migration. The streams are also home to fish such as rainbow and brown trout and a wide variety of aquatic insects.
Between Gateway and Uravan watch for peregrine falcons. In 1972 there were no successful nesting pairs in Colorado. Today there are 31 pairs, several of which reside in the Gateway and Paradox areas. The colorful red rock formations with their towering spires and sheer cliff walls provide excellent nesting areas called "eyries" for the falcons. A shrill repetitive cry may be your first clue that a peregrine is nearby.
The grasslands between Naturita and Norwood provide habitat for prairie dogs. Look for large numbers of dirt mounds and you will probably see these rodents scampering about. Other animals you may observe around prairie dog towns include coyotes, badgers, ferruginous hawks, prairie falcons, golden eagles, cottontail rabbits, and burrowing owls.
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