It's no secret that Colorado is home to some of the most beautiful outdoor scenery in the nation. It's because of this that fans of the outdoors visit these natural areas often and sometimes never leave.

However, one thing to definitely keep in mind when hiking, camping, or otherwise immersing oneself in Colorado's great outdoors is the fact that with the wilderness comes wildlife.

Read More: Colorado Wildlife Encounter: Man Kills Mountain Lion with Shovel |

While many species of wild animals in Colorado's wilderness are harmless to humans, there are others that you definitely don't want to cross paths with.

Keep scrolling to learn about Golden Gate Canyon State Park, one of the most beautiful outdoor destinations in Colorado as well as the wildlife that calls the park home.

Colorado's Golden Gate Canyon State Park + its Wildlife

In case you're not familiar, Golden Gate Canyon State Park is made up of 12,000 acres just outside of Golden, Colorado. The park is known as a beautiful destination for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, hunting, and more.

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The park is home to numerous species of wildlife including mule deer, elk, squirrel, turkey vultures, bluebirds, and chickadees.

However, the park is also home to animals that you certainly don't want to cross paths with including mountain lions, black bears, and moose.

While encounters with these dangerous animals are rare, it's a good idea to make sure you never leave food out at your campsite and always be aware of your surroundings when out in the wilderness.

Colorado is Home to One of the Largest Urban Wildlife Refuges

Just outside of Commerce City, Colorado, sits a 15,000-acre urban wildlife refuge.

Gallery Credit: Nate Wilde

Vintage Footage: When Feeding Wildlife in Colorado was Encouraged

Check out some very old documentation of Colorado staples such as Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak from a time when feeding the wildlife was encouraged.

Gallery Credit: Nate Wilde

Flashback: Colorado Animal Sanctuary Rescues 25 Abused Lions

Colorado’s Wild Animal Sanctuary has been taking in exotic animals for many years, including 25 malnourished lions as part of a well-documented rescue from South America.

Gallery Credit: Nate Wilde