This morning I heard a sound that I have never heard in my Colorado backyard. For reference, I live in North Fort Collins. I really live in between Fort Collins and Wellington. I've lived in this house for two years. For the first time, around 3:30 a.m., I heard an owl.

I was pumped.

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Later in the day, my girlfriend sent me a picture of a new nest in a neighbor's tree. She managed to identify that the owl was a Great Horned Owl. These owls are huge and have a wingspan of five feet. This owl is by far the largest in Colorado. They also happen to be the most common.

Why the Great Horned Owls Are Making More Appearances

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Expect to see more Great Horned Owls in Colorado. Right now is when the Great Horned Owl will typically breed. They are building nests and new generations. The Great Horned Owl's mating season is in January and February.

RELATED: WATCH THIS GREAT HORNED OWL BATH IN A KIDDIE POOL WITH ITS MAGPIE FRIEND

A lot of hooting that you will hear during the night is male Great Horned Owls trying to attract a mate. I recently learned from Denver Botanic Gardens that when a Great Horned Owl finds a mate they pair up with that mate for life.

Kind of romantic, isn't it?

Should Coloradans Be Worried About Their Pets?

If you have outdoor cats or small dogs you should limit their time outside. According to the International Owl Center, Great Horned Owls tend to eat these animals.

These owls can also carry animals that are larger than themselves.

Colorado's Endangered & Threatened Species: 19 Animals Found On the List

Several different animals found in Colorado are listed as "endangered" by the federal government and the Centennial State. We're taking a closer look at 19 of the animals in the gallery below considered endangered or threatened in Colorado.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

12 Unusual Pets People are Banned From Owning in Colorado

The list of animals Colorado does not allow residents to keep as pets is much shorter than the list of animals we are allowed to keep at home. Keep reading to review the list of animals determined to be too dangerous to keep at home for several reasons.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

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