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<br />GJn237
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<br />Wildlife
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<br />The Southern San Juan Mountains are home lor a va;'let.{ 01 wildlife including several big
<br />game species. During mild winters many big game animals remain in the unit but, during
<br />severe winters with deep shows, they are forced to winter outside the unit on private,
<br />Bureau of Land Management, Indian, or other Forest Service lands. Although big game
<br />populations may vary from year to year, current populations are estimated to be 100
<br />antelope, 3500 mule deer, 3400 elk, and 200 black bear. During the last eight to ten years
<br />elk have generally increased and deer have decreased within the area. A herd of perhaps 50
<br />bighorn sheep range near the Continental Divide, and an occasional mountain lion is
<br />observed,
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<br />Basic food for elk in the summer consists of grasses and weeds (forbsl while in the winter
<br />their diet switches to dry grass and brush (browse). Aspen, bitterbrush, oak brush, and
<br />mountain mahogany are important in the diet of wintering elk.
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<br />Deer feeding habits are quite different from those of elk. Although grasses and weeds make
<br />up a portion of the diet for deer, especially in the spring, on winter range brushy plants are
<br />by far the most important. Large herds of deer, therefore, require large areas of certain
<br />brushy plants. Small rabbitbrush and mountain mahogany are important browse plants in
<br />this unit, but are not in great supply,
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<br />Deer and elk numbers must be kept in balance with available food supplies to maintain
<br />healthy herds and productive habitat, The unit contains an adequate summer food supply
<br />but lacks the winter habitat to support large numbers of big game animals, Because of this,
<br />deer and elk often are forced to crowd in~o small areas for their winter food needs. Most of
<br />these critical wintering areas are outside the National Forest.
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<br />Other wildlife and birds within the unit include turkey, white-tailed ptarmigan, blue grouse,
<br />coyote, bobcat, beaver, weasel, muskrat, prairie falcon, red-tailed hawk, porcupine,
<br />chipmunks, snowshoe hare, cottontail rabbit, red squirrel, pine marten, great horned owl,
<br />and numerous songbirds including robin, chickadee, Steller's jay, gray-headed junco, and
<br />mountain bluebird. Numerous species of waterfowl are also present.
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<br />The only endangered wildlife species identified within the unit is the Peregrine Falcon.
<br />Observations of a nesting pair near the Conejos River has occurred, but no determinations of
<br />the "critical habitat" of these birds has been compiled.
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<br />Some of the last known grizzly bears in Colorado roamed here. Studies conducted by the
<br />Forest Service, Colorado Division of Wildlife, and the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service to
<br />determine if grizzly still inhabit remote parts of the area have not been conclusive. Their
<br />presence is considered doubtful, however.
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<br />Bald eagles are known winter residents of the unit. Golden eagles are believed to be yearlong
<br />residents, although no nesting sites have been verified.
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<br />The Forest Service is primarily responsible for management of the habitat in which these
<br />wildlife live. The habitat responsibilities specifically include wildlife foods and areas of
<br />shelter. Hunting seasons for large and small game animals are set by the Colorado Division of
<br />Wildlife and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, although the Forest Service
<br />works cooperatively with these state agencies to determine whether game populations are in
<br />proper balance with the available habitat. Approximately 8,500 big game hunters used the
<br />area in 1974, and contributed significantly to game management through license fees. local
<br />communities also benefitted economically from the hunters and other visitors attracted by
<br />the fish and wi Id Ii fe.
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