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Ref.Page No. M2009-006 00084 <br /> Amphibians are naturally rare in the study area due to the xeric conditions. Reptiles <br /> such as the western rattlesnake are common. <br /> The Subject Property is located in a recognized mule deer winter concentration area. <br /> While the area of the Subject Property is within the Elk winter range, Elk are rarely <br /> known to use the area surrounding the Subject Property. Mule deer have been <br /> observed on and around the Subject Property, but no elk have been observed in the <br /> vicinity of the Subject Property. The winter range is defined as that part of the range <br /> where 90% of the individuals are located when the annual snowpack is at its <br /> maximum and/or temperatures are at a minimum in the two worst winter out of ten. <br /> Black bear have been observed in the vicinity of the adjacent properties. In Colorado, <br /> black bear most commonly occupy areas with Gambel oak and aspen near open <br /> areas of chokecherry and service berry bushes. Most bears are active from mid- <br /> march through early November. Black bears head for winter dens when food sources <br /> dwindle. The Subject property does not offer the representative desirable <br /> environment for black bear. <br /> Mountain lion have been observed in the wider area in the vicinity of the Subject <br /> Property. Mountain lion prefer brushy areas and woodlands over forests and open <br /> prairies, and are generally most abundant in areas of ample deer populations. <br /> Individual mountain lions can range areas in significant size varying from 10 to 370 <br /> square miles, depending on the terrain and availability of food sources. The majority <br /> of western Colorado is considered mountain lion overall range. No mountain lion <br /> have been observed on the Subject Property,which does not offer the representative <br /> desirable environment for mountain lion. <br /> Raptor species such as hawks and owls are observed in the vicinity of the Subject <br /> Property. The private property to the south and west of the Subject Property likely <br /> provide hunting and perching grounds for these raptors. No raptor nesting was <br /> observed on the Subject Property. No migratory birds were observed on the Subject <br /> Property. <br /> Of the several other endangered species potentially found in Larimer County, <br /> Colorado, none of these species are observed on the Subject Property. The Subject <br /> Property does not offer a suitable environment for many of these species. <br /> General Effect During and After the Proposed Operation On The Existing Wildlife Of The <br /> Area <br /> The Subject Property is presently operated daily and year-round as an active quarry. <br /> Mining and reclamation activities will take into account the safety and protection of <br /> wildlife on-site. The proposed additional operation as specified in the Application <br />