Do you enjoy seeing natural creatures in their environment? You've come to the right place. A word to the wise though - if you are driving and see wild creatures, don't stop in the middle of the road to have a look. Don't let your excitement make you an obstacle for other drivers to avoid. Remember: they may also be watching the animals instead of the road. Pull off the road, put on your safety blinkers and have a good, safe time watching.

Pretty, Pretty

Keep an eye out for mule deer, for these beautiful creatures are frequently seen throughout the high country. They are also no strangers to the sidewalks and streets of Red River, day or night, and apparently bank locally.

They have not always been so plentiful. Hunted to near-extinction, they were reintroduced in the late 1920's and, with careful management practices, have successfully repopulated the state. Today their numbers are great and partially responsible for the growing population of cougars and coyotes who are relentless predators.

Look but don't touch. They are fascinating to watch, but be advised to keep your distance. They all have sharp hooves and a male with a nice rack of antlers can do plenty of damage when spooked or feeling threatened. Your presence and actions can be a threat. Don't threaten them. Okay? Okay.

Big, Big, Big

Wapiti, known locally as elk, are members of the deer family, but are much larger than their muley cousins. They are plentiful in the area and are often encountered on the roads, especially late at night. They are big and can demolish the front end of a Suburban or a 4x4, so keep a watchful eye for these creatures. If you meet one in the woods, give it a wide berth, for they, too, can be aggressive and their sheer size makes them formidable.

The same is true of big horn sheep found near timberline. They're majestic, but keep your distance, even if they come to you.

Busy, Busy, Busy

Once, because the beavers were so plentiful in the area, the site of Red River was named "Laguna." Soon hunted to extinction, the busy creatures are once again thriving in the valley, thanks to New Mexico wildlife management.

These big rodents - yes, they are rodents - can be seen in lakes, ponds, streams and the Red River, busily building the kinds of dams that benefit the surrounding ecosystem. Don't confuse them with muskrats: we have those, too.

An encounter with wildlife can be a marvelous experience, but only if it's a safe experience. Respect wild creatures, for their sake and yours.