Pearl Lake State Park Wildlife

Visitors may observe mule deer, as well as porcupine, red fox, pine squirrel, beaver or muskrat. Routt National Forest helps to preserve large tracts of contiguous habitat in the region. American marten, long-tailed weasel, tiger salamander, striped chorus frog and western terrestrial garter snake are also present.

Because dramatic late summer drawdowns do not occur at Pearl Lake, the reservoir exhibits characteristics similar to a natural lake with more constant shoreline conditions and water levels for migrating and resident wildlife. The restriction to wakeless boating on Pearl Lake contributes to the quiet and peaceful atmosphere at the park.

Over 200 species of migratory and resident birds are known in the park including northern harrier, osprey, great blue herons, western screech-owl, western bluebird, hairy and downy woodpeckers and red-winged blackbird. Greater sandhill cranes return to nest in the willow carrs and marshes in the spring. The park staff requests that visitors keep their distance when observing the cranes.

Fish
The cutthroat trout population at Pearl Lake is designated as Gold Medal. Brook and brown trout and grayling are occasionally reported.