Photo Essay: Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is a 15,000-acre wildlife sanctuary located near Denver, Colorado. Once a chemical weapons manufacturing site, it has been transformed into one of the largest urban refuges in the U.S. The refuge is home to over 330 species of wildlife, including bison, bald eagles, deer, and coyotes. Visitors can explore hiking trails, scenic drives, and fishing spots (when in-season) while learning about conservation efforts. The site serves as a model for habitat restoration and environmental recovery, offering a unique blend of history, wildlife, and outdoor recreation.

It is one of my favorite places to walk. It has a large number of trails to follow, and I've seen a large variety of wildlife there, especially birds. While seeing a large number of birds will not be as true during the winter months, especially when the lakes are frozen, it can still be a very nice walk for other wildlife, and the Wildlife Drive often offers glimpses of larger birds of prey such as hawks and bald eagles.

Here is a photo summary of what I saw on Saturday, February 1, 2025.

Mule Deer

During winter, mule deer develop a thick, grayish-brown coat that provides insulation and camouflage. This seasonal coat consists of hollow guard hairs that trap heat, helping them stay warm in cold temperatures. The grayish color helps them blend into the winter landscape, offering protection from predators. As temperatures warm in spring, they shed this winter coat in favor of a lighter, reddish-brown summer coat better suited for warmer weather.

Northern Harrier

I have always struggled to shoot norther harriers. They are shy in my experience, and I almost always see them flying in the distance. This may be the first male I have captured in photo. They are often referred to as the 'grey ghost' because of their spectral, almost frosty grey coloring.

Nest

Bison

The bison at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge are a key part of the refuge’s conservation efforts. Reintroduced in 2007, the herd helps maintain the prairie ecosystem by naturally managing vegetation. These bison roam across thousands of acres, offering visitors a chance to observe them up close along the refuge’s Wildlife Drive (but please stay in your car!). As a genetically valuable herd, they contribute to national bison conservation programs. Their presence symbolizes the successful transformation of the former industrial site into a thriving habitat for native wildlife.

Coyote

Coyotes are highly adaptable predators found throughout Colorado, from urban areas to remote wilderness. They play a crucial role in the ecosystem by controlling rodent populations and scavenging carrion. Known for their intelligence and resourcefulness, coyotes have thrived despite human development. This can often cause some concern for pets, as coyotes have been known to occasionally go after smaller dogs or cats. Please keep your animals inside if you have heard of a coyote in the area.

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Wildlife refuges in metro areas provide essential habitats for native species while offering people opportunities to connect with nature. These protected spaces support biodiversity, helping conserve plants and animals in rapidly developing regions. They also serve as natural filters for air and water, improve urban climate resilience, and offer recreational and educational opportunities for city residents. By preserving green spaces in urban environments, wildlife refuges promote ecological health, foster environmental awareness, and enhance the well-being of both people and wildlife.

If you have the opportunity, visit and enjoy these spaces, and if you are able, support their work. You can volunteer, donate money, attend their classes, and above all, respect the nature that they seek to conserve. Contact your local wildlife refuge for additional information.