Wild animals in Colorado are under continual threat from urban expansion and poachers, according to the Division of Wildlife. The state has a large list of animals noted as species of concern, but a more select grouping are endangered. Birds, fish and mammals are some of the species included on the endangered list.
The plains sharp-tailed grouse averages a foot and a half in length and occupies heavy brush along the Colorado grasslands, according to the Division of Wildlife. The birds have long, pointed necks with white polka dotted feathers. These winged creatures are on the endangered list because to the intrusion of residential home construction. Grassland is also now used for harvesting food -- another reason these bird make the endangered species list. Additional suburban expansion plans continue to threaten the existence of the plains sharp-tailed grouse.
The Rio Grande Sucker, according to the USDA Forest Service, is an example of a Colorado fish that once occupied state waters stretching from the north to the south. Today, this fish is an endangered animal. The Rio Grande Sucker is a long, slender fish with a green body and an auburn stripe along its body. This fish is on the endangered list because of residential development. Continued development introduces harmful elements into fresh water sources, harming many aquatic species. Additionally, the creation of dams and the redirecting of natural water flows wrecks havoc upon Rio Grande Sucker migration patterns.
The Colorado grizzly bear is perhaps the most endangered mammal in the state. According to the Division of Wildlife, these animals once roamed the entire state in heavy numbers during the 19th century. The early 20th century brought on decades of excessive bear hunting and the dissolution of the grizzly bear population. Grizzlies tend to feed on shrubs, fish and berries and rarely attack other large mammals. Today, while prohibitions on grizzly bear hunting have been in effect since 1952, authorities designate this creature as possibly vanished from the entire Colorado landscape.
