Because the Rocky Mountains are over 3,000 miles long and sometimes hundreds of miles wide, it should be no surprise that there are many hundreds of different animal species that call these mountains home. From the most fearsome carnivores to tiniest ground mammals, the Rockies are capable of supporting such a diverse cast of characters because of the many ecosystems that exist within this unique mountain system.
However, if you wanted to get a pretty good all-around look at these animals without having to travel too much, then you would likely be headed to Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. This extremely popular tourist destination has become famous for its wildlife viewing areas, in which visitors barely have to get out of their cars in order to be up-close-and-personal with all sorts of critters.
Here are some of the most beloved residents of Rocky Mountain National Park:
Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep
As the official state animal of Colorado, the Bighorn Sheep is iconic to the people of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. These massive wild sheep have really become the state mascot for visitors who are driving into the Rockies for the first time, where these sheep can be seen all over the place.
Their massive, curling horns is what makes them most easily recognizable, but it is their impressive balance and agility on the rock face that makes them truly unique.
Black Bears
In Rocky Mountain National Park (and in much of Colorado) the Black Bear is the only bear species to exist, although their larger Grizzly cousins once roamed the park long ago. These bears are not always black as their name suggests, but can also be brown or cinnamon colored.
They’re small, fast, and usually pretty solitary, but it is not uncommon to see a whole family of black bears in the park. They’re highly revered by park visitors, but local residents see them as something of a nuisance, as they are notorious for tipping over dumpsters and trash cans.
Mountain Lions
While bears are certainly a concern for anyone hiking through Rocky Mountain National Park, there is another predator which can be far deadlier. Also known as cougars, pumas, and panthers, these big kitties are the largest predators in the park.
Mountain lions usually travel alone, and can cover large distances as they follow the movement of local deer and elk herds. As hunters, they prefer to stalk their prey silently before making their impressive pounce, sometimes 40 feet in a single jump.
Fortunately, mountain lion sightings are rare, and it is even more rare that they would attack a human. Traveling in groups and making noise is a good way to scare them off.
Elk
There is perhaps no image that better represents Rocky Mountain National Park than a massive herd of elk crossing a high mountain valley. As high social animals, elk can travel in herds with dozens, sometimes hundreds of individuals. However older bulls prefer to stay in smaller groups or go it alone until mating season rolls around.
The deep, resonating tones of an elk’s bugle can be heard echoing through the park in the autumn months.
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In all, Rocky Mountain National Park is home to hundreds of different birds, mammals, and reptiles. But when it comes to the kind of postcards you’ll be seeing at the gift shop, it will no doubt be an image of one of the iconic animals above, the most popular residents of a most excellent place to live.
