Fox, Coyote and Wolf

Red Fox

In Colorado, the red fox is an adaptable species that thrives in various landscapes, including grasslands and forests. Known for their striking reddish-brown fur, although some individuals may exhibit a grey or black coloration, these resourceful canines often sport a long, bushy tail marked with a white tip. Colorado’s foxes are renowned for their ability to coexist in proximity to human environments and can often be seen in Summit County neighborhoods. Despite the proximity of these animals, it is important to avoid feeding them for their safety, as a lack of fear toward humans can result in being hit by cars, attacked by pets, or an unwelcome presence in your backyard.

Coyote

Coyotes are common and highly adaptable predators found throughout Summit County, either in packs or individually. They thrive in a wide range of habitats, including open meadows, forest edges, and increasingly, residential areas where food sources such as rodents and rabbits are readily available. Coyotes are most active at dawn and dusk, though they may be heard at night when their distinctive yips and howls echo across the mountains. Their presence plays an important ecological role by helping control populations of small mammals and maintaining balance within the local ecosystem.

Wolf

Gray wolves are historically native to the region but were pushed north by settlers, and were no longer found in Colorado by the mid-20th century. They were recently reintroduced in an effort to restore a natural predator to the ecosystem. Today, wolves in the county remain rare and elusive, traveling long distances across mountainous terrain in search of prey such as elk and deer. While sightings are uncommon, their presence is integral to the ecology of the area, as wolves play an important role as apex predators that can influence prey populations and broader ecosystem health.