By Daniel Kovacs | Summit County Real Estate
Sharing the Mountains with Wildlife
One of the defining experiences of living in Summit County is the wildlife. Step onto your deck on a September morning and you might see a bull elk bugling across a meadow in Wildernest. Walk your dog along the Blue River in June and a cow moose may be standing in the willows 40 yards ahead. These encounters happen regularly, and knowing how to respond keeps both you and the animals safe.
Summit County sits within a critical wildlife corridor connecting the Eagles Nest Wilderness to the west with the Continental Divide to the east. The county spans elevations from 8,800 feet in Silverthorne to over 14,000 feet on Quandary Peak, creating habitat zones that support everything from river otters to mountain goats.
Large Mammals in Summit County
Moose
Colorado's moose population has grown from roughly 12 animals introduced in 1978 to over 3,000 statewide. Summit County has seen a steady increase since the early 2000s, with moose now commonly spotted along the Blue River, around Spruce Creek near Breckenridge, in the wetlands near Frisco, and on Boreas Pass Road. Adult bull moose stand 6 feet tall at the shoulder and weigh 800 to 1,200 pounds. Despite their size, they can sprint at 35 mph. Moose are the most dangerous large animal in Colorado, responsible for more human injuries than bears and mountain lions combined. Cow moose with calves (May through July) are particularly aggressive.
Black Bears
Summit County's black bear population is active from late April through early November. Bears emerge from hibernation hungry, having lost 30 to 40 percent of their body weight over winter. Spring encounters are common as bears search for food at lower elevations before berry season begins in July. A single bear can consume 20,000 calories per day during the fall hyperphagia period, when they are putting on weight for winter. That calorie drive sends them into neighborhoods looking for trash, bird feeders, pet food, and anything else that smells edible.
Elk
Elk herds of 20 to 100 animals move through Summit County seasonally. In fall, the bugling season (mid-September through mid-October) draws crowds of wildlife watchers to areas around Swan Mountain Road, the Dillon Valley, and the meadows near Keystone. Bull elk during the rut are aggressive and should be observed from at least 75 yards. Elk also present a driving hazard, particularly at dawn and dusk on Highway 9 between Silverthorne and Kremmling.
Mountain Lions
Mountain lions are present throughout Summit County but rarely seen. Colorado Parks and Wildlife estimates roughly 4,000 to 4,500 mountain lions statewide. They are solitary, crepuscular hunters that prey primarily on mule deer. Encounters near homes are uncommon but do occur, especially in neighborhoods that border open space or forest. Between 2020 and 2025, Summit County recorded 8 confirmed mountain lion sightings in residential areas, mostly in Wildernest and the Mesa Cortina neighborhoods of Silverthorne.
Smaller Wildlife You Will See
Marmots and Pikas
Yellow-bellied marmots are abundant above treeline and in rocky areas near alpine trails. These 10-pound rodents sun themselves on boulders and whistle sharply when hikers approach. Pikas, their smaller relatives, live in talus fields above 11,000 feet. Pikas are an indicator species for climate change because they cannot tolerate temperatures above 78 degrees Fahrenheit. If you hike the popular summer trails around Mohawk Lakes or McCullough Gulch, listen for their high-pitched "eep" calls among the rocks.
Foxes and Coyotes
Red foxes are common in Breckenridge, Frisco, and Silverthorne neighborhoods. They hunt voles and rabbits in yards and open spaces, and most residents see them weekly. Coyotes are equally present and more vocal, especially from January through March during mating season. Both species generally avoid humans but will approach homes with unsecured pet food or small pets left outdoors.
Birds of Note
Summit County is home to Steller's jays, Clark's nutcrackers, mountain chickadees, white-tailed ptarmigan (Colorado's only native grouse, found above treeline), and occasional golden eagles and peregrine falcons. The Blue River corridor is a flyway for migratory species, and Lake Dillon attracts osprey from May through September.
Bear Safety for Homeowners
Living alongside bears requires year-round habits. The single most important step is securing your trash. Summit County and most municipalities require bear-proof trash containers. Standard rolling bins are not sufficient. Bear-proof models cost $150 to $300, and some towns provide them through waste haulers. Additional bear safety measures include removing bird feeders from April 15 through November 15, never leaving pet food, grills, or coolers on decks overnight, keeping garage doors closed (bears can open standard doors), cleaning grills thoroughly after each use, and picking fallen fruit from crabapple trees immediately.
If a bear enters your yard, do not approach it. Make noise from a safe distance, bang pots, or use an air horn. If a bear becomes habitual, report it to Colorado Parks and Wildlife at 970-724-7800. A fed bear often becomes a dead bear, as wildlife officers may have to relocate or euthanize habituated animals.
Moose Safety
Give moose at least 50 yards of distance. Unlike bears, moose do not bluff charge. If a moose pins its ears back, raises the hair on its hump, or lowers its head, it is preparing to charge. Get behind a large tree, vehicle, or building immediately. Dogs are a major trigger for moose aggression, as moose perceive dogs as wolves. Keep dogs leashed on all trails and roads near wetland areas. The highest-risk months for moose encounters in Summit County are May through July (calving season) and September through October (rut). Moose are frequently seen along the Frisco Peninsula bike path and near the Breckenridge Nordic Center.
Wildlife-Proof Landscaping
Your landscaping choices affect which animals visit your property. To reduce wildlife conflicts, avoid planting fruit trees and berry bushes near the house, install motion-activated lights and sprinklers (effective deterrents for deer, elk, and bears), fence vegetable gardens with 8-foot fencing (elk can clear 6 feet easily), use native grasses and wildflowers instead of ornamental plants that attract browsing animals, and store firewood at least 30 feet from the house to avoid attracting rodents and the predators that follow them. (Source: U.S. Department of Housing).
Reporting Wildlife Encounters
If you encounter an injured animal, an aggressive animal near your home, or a mountain lion sighting in a residential area, contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife at 970-724-7800. For emergencies involving immediate danger, call 911. Keep your phone camera ready, but never approach an animal to get a better photo. Many of the best property management practices in Summit County include wildlife-proofing as part of seasonal maintenance.