Journal 31: Wild Neighbors: Living Close to Nature in Pinehaven

Tucked into the forests and foothills of Colorado’s southern Rockies, Pinehaven isn’t just a cabin community, it’s a VIP box seat to nature’s most unpredictable reality show. From alpine meadows to whispering pine forests, this wild landscape plays host to a colorful (and sometimes toothy) cast of characters. Whether it’s a hawk’s shadow slicing across the creek or a bear swiping berries like it owns the place, every day in Pinehaven reminds us that we’re not alone out here. And honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Furbearers in the Forest

Let’s start with the big stars. Pinehaven and the surrounding Cuchara Valley teem with wildlife, thanks to a patchwork of habitats from sunlit meadows to shady spruce groves. Elk, mule deer, and black bears are frequent guests who sometimes they forget to knock. Even the dramatic Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep can occasionally be seen on nearby ridges, particularly in higher terrain like they’re in a rugged L.L. Bean catalog.(1)  

Black bears, in particular, kick into high gear in late summer and early fall during hyperphagia (that’s science-speak for “eating everything in sight before winter”). By mid-November, they’ve cozied up in dens for a long nap, leaving Pinehaven blissfully bear-free until spring, when they emerge hungry and possibly grumpy, with cubs in tow.

Of course, not all our wild neighbors are headline-grabbing bruisers. Foxes, coyotes, and bobcats do their best ninja impressions in the underbrush, while the rare mountain lion keeps to the shadows (and occasionally makes cameo appearances on security cameras). Then there are the quirky smaller mammals: porcupines waddling with confidence, rock squirrels darting like caffeine addicts, and sleek pine martens and mink playing hide-and-seek in the forest and streams.(2)  

And let’s not forget the Abert’s squirrel, our very own pom-pom-eared mascot. With its signature tufts and elusive nature, spotting one in the ponderosa pine forest is like winning Pinehaven’s version of wildlife bingo.3  

Winged Residents

The skies over Pinehaven are never dull. Raptors like golden eagles and prairie falcons ride the mountain thermals like they’re in a bird-of-prey airshow.(4)  Wild turkeys strut with misplaced confidence, while dusky grouse stick to the high-elevation fir trees. And our local chorus of songbirds, from jays to warblers, provide the kind of all-natural soundtrack you can’t get on Spotify.

There are two standouts in this aerial ensemble. Graces Warbler and the Hepatic Tanager. These brilliantly colored, lesser-known songbirds hang out in Pinehaven’s forested hills and can sometimes be spotted in the nearby Wahatoya Wildlife Area.(5)  Both Graces Warbler and the Hepatic Tanager are near the edge of their ranges here, making Pinehaven a bit of a birding gem for dedicated watchers. Birders, bring your binoculars and your patience.

Rare Species Around Pinehaven

Not all our residents are easy to find, which only makes them more special. The once-endangered American peregrine falcon has been seen nesting on nearby cliffs, proving that a comeback story beats anything on cable news.(6)  The elusive Mexican spotted owl, while rare, has one historical sighting in Huerfano County, according to the Colorado Natural Heritage Program.(7)  Although the Mexican Spotted Owl has historical records in Huerfano County, it is not known to nest near Pinehaven. Talk about playing hard to get.

Then there’s the mountain lion, an apex predator and Pinehaven’s most mysterious neighbor. These big cats help keep deer populations in check and generally steer clear of humans. Although rare, occasional footage has shown mountain lions passing through the area at night, stealthy reminders of the wild beyond the porch light. All in all, Pinehaven’s wildlife lineup includes enough rarity and edge-of-range sightings to keep even seasoned naturalists on their toes.

Wisdom, Caution, and Thankfulness

Living in Pinehaven means living alongside wildlife, and that’s both a thrill and a responsibility. Yes, it’s magical to spot a bear from your deck, but feeding that bear? A huge no-no. Not only is it illegal in Colorado to feed big game, it also encourages dangerous habitsfor them and for us.(8)

The takeaway? Observe with awe, but act with care. The animals were here first, and it’s our job to be respectful cohabitants. By keeping a safe distance, securing trash, and leaving the feeding to Mother Nature, we help preserve this delicate balance. 

Every rustle in the brush, every wingbeat overhead, every pawprint in the snow reminds us we’re part of something wild and wonderful. In Pinehaven, wildlife isn’t background noise, it’s the heartbeat of the forest. And with thoughtful stewardship, it always will be.(9)

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Footnotes

Parenthetical numbers in the text (e.g., 5) correspond to the sequentially numbered citations listed below.

1. Spanish Peaks Country, Cuchara Mountain Escape, accessed August 1, 2025, https://spanishpeakscountry.com/business-directory/listing/cuchara-mountain-escape?tab=related&sort=title&category=0&zoom=15&is_mile=0&directory_radius=0&view=grid 

2. Colorado Birding Trail, “Spanish Peaks,” Colorado Birding Trail, accessed August 1, 2025, https://coloradobirdingtrail.com/trail/spanish-peaks/.

3. Colorado Birding Trail. “Spanish Peaks.” Colorado Birding Trail. Accessed August 1, 2025. https://coloradobirdingtrail.com/trail/spanish-peaks/.

4. Colorado Birding Trail, “Spanish Peaks,” Colorado Birding Trail, accessed August 1, 2025, https://coloradobirdingtrail.com/trail/spanish-peaks/ 

5. Colorado Birding Trail, “Spanish Peaks,” Colorado Birding Trail, accessed August 1, 2025, https://coloradobirdingtrail.com/trail/spanish-peaks/.

6. Colorado Birding Trail. “Spanish Peaks.” Colorado Birding Trail. Accessed August 1, 2025. https://coloradobirdingtrail.com/trail/spanish-peaks/. 

7. Colorado Natural Heritage Program, Survey of Critical Wetland Resources in Huerfano County, Colorado, Final Report (Fort Collins: Colorado Natural Heritage Program, 2017), 91. https://cnhp.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/download/documents/2017/final_huerfano_report.pdf

 8. Colorado Parks & Wildlife, “Rule 2 CCR 406‑0‑020 (Article XI) – Feeding, Luring, or Attracting Big Game,” Code of Colorado Regulations, effective May 1, 2025, accessed August 1, 2025, https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/colorado/2-CCR-406-0-021.

9. Author’s note: In preparing this article, the author used AI-assisted tools for research support, proofreading, fact-checking, and stylistic refinement. The narrative, analysis, and historical interpretations are the author’s own, and responsibility for accuracy rests solely with the author. The blog’s research methodology statement is available at:

https://cabininthepinescuchara.blogspot.com/2019/03/methodology-sources-and-use-of-research.html