Highlands Ranch,
As you head to the Backcountry Wilderness Area, take a second to check your bear spray expiration date before hitting the trails.
Colorado Parks & Wildlife offers excellent guidance on how to handle wildlife encounters, and Highlands Ranch Community Association shares helpful local reminders worth brushing up on.
One of the best parts of living here is access to this kind of wild, open space—but it comes with responsibility. We picked five animals you could potentially encounter and what to do if you see them.
Let’s get into it.
Animals in the Backcountry Wilderness Area
🐻Black Bear
Facts: Colorado is home to black bears (not grizzlies). They have an incredibly strong sense of smell and usually avoid humans.
Protection: Carry bear spray
General Safety:
Store food properly
Make noise while hiking
Never approach
If encountered:
Stay calm—don’t run
Slowly back away
🐾Mountain Lion
Facts: Extremely stealthy—they are often nearby without you realizing it. They’re most active at dawn/dusk and attacks are rare but serious.
Protection: Carry bear spray
General Safety:
Hike in groups
Keep kids and dogs close
If encountered:
Do not run
Back away slowly
Make yourself look BIG
🐍Rattlesnakes
Facts: Common in warm, rocky areas, rattlesnakes are active in spring/summer and usually warn before striking—how kind.
Protection: Awareness and proper footwear
General Safety:
Watch where you step
Stay on trails
Don’t reach into rocks
If encountered:
Freeze
Locate
Slowly back away
🦌Elk
Facts: Elk can weigh up to 700+ lbs—much bigger than they look. They’re most active at dawn/dusk and males (bull) can be aggressive during fall rut.
Protection: General awareness
General Safety:
Stay at least 75 feet away
Never approach calves (moms get defensive fast)
If encountered:
Give space
Keep moving calmly
🐈Bobcats
Facts: They are elusive and rarely seen. Bobcats are about twice the size of a house cat and prefer to avoid humans.
Protection: General awareness
General Safety:
Keep kids and pets close
Never corner or approach
If encountered:
Maintain eye contact
Back away slowly
The backcountry is one of the best parts of living here—and staying prepared is what keeps it that way. Beyond wildlife awareness, make sure you’re carrying water, checking the weather, and letting someone know your route before you head out.
A little preparation goes a long way out here.
Oh and if you spot amazing wildlife south of the Ranch, send us a photo. We’d love to possibly repost it on our feed.
Grace
Editor, The Ranch Scoop