Comprehensive identification cards for all Rocky Mountain National Park wildlife species. Learn about behavior, habitat, viewing tips, and safety guidelines.
19 species documented
North America's second-largest deer species, elk are iconic symbols of the Rocky Mountains. Bulls can weigh up to 700 pounds and sport massive antlers that can span 4 feet.
Bulls: 600-700 lbs, 5 ft tall at shoulder. Cows: 450-500 lbs
Alpine meadows in summer, lower elevation valleys in winter. Prefer open grasslands near forest edges.
Herbivore - grasses, forbs, bark, twigs. Feed primarily at dawn and dusk.
Highly social, forming large herds. Bulls are solitary except during the rut (September-October) when they gather harems and bugle to attract mates and challenge rivals.
The largest member of the deer family, moose are solitary giants that can weigh over 1,000 pounds. Bulls sport massive palmate antlers that can span 6 feet.
Bulls: 800-1,200 lbs, 6-7 ft tall at shoulder. Cows: 600-800 lbs
Willow-dominated riparian areas, especially along streams and wetlands. Found primarily on the west side of RMNP.
Herbivore - willows, aquatic plants, bark. Can consume 50+ pounds of vegetation daily.
Solitary except during breeding season. Excellent swimmers. Bulls shed antlers in winter and regrow them each spring.
Colorado's state animal, bighorn sheep are sure-footed climbers perfectly adapted to steep, rocky terrain. Rams sport massive curved horns that can weigh 30 pounds.
Rams: 160-250 lbs. Ewes: 115-200 lbs
Alpine and subalpine zones with steep, rocky terrain. Require mineral licks and escape terrain.
Herbivore - grasses, sedges, forbs. Visit mineral licks regularly for essential nutrients.
Highly social. Rams and ewes form separate groups except during breeding season. Rams clash horns in spectacular battles for dominance.
Despite their name, black bears in RMNP are often brown or cinnamon-colored. These intelligent omnivores are excellent climbers and can run up to 30 mph.
200-400 lbs (males larger). 5-6 ft long, 3 ft tall at shoulder
Forests, meadows, riparian areas. Prefer areas with abundant food sources and cover.
Omnivore - 90% vegetation (berries, nuts, grasses), insects, carrion, small mammals
Solitary except mothers with cubs. Active spring through fall, hibernating November-March. Feed heavily in late summer/fall (hyperphagia).
Also called cougars or pumas, mountain lions are North America's largest cat and apex predators. Solitary and elusive, they are rarely seen despite being present throughout RMNP.
80-150 lbs (males larger). 6-8 ft long including tail
All elevations and habitats. Prefer rocky terrain with cover for stalking prey.
Carnivore - primarily mule deer and elk. Also smaller mammals.
Solitary, territorial, and primarily nocturnal. Ambush predators that stalk prey silently. Most active at dawn and dusk.
Named for their large mule-like ears, mule deer are common throughout RMNP. They have a distinctive bounding gait called "stotting" when alarmed.
Bucks: 150-300 lbs. Does: 100-150 lbs
Forests, meadows, shrublands. Prefer edge habitat between forests and open areas.
Herbivore - shrubs, forbs, grasses. Browse on woody vegetation in winter.
Social, forming small groups. Bucks shed antlers in winter. Rut occurs in November-December.
Highly adaptable and intelligent, coyotes are common throughout RMNP. Often mistaken for wolves, coyotes are much smaller and have a distinctive yipping howl.
20-50 lbs. 3-4 ft long, 2 ft tall at shoulder
All habitats from valleys to alpine tundra. Prefer open areas for hunting.
Omnivore - small mammals (voles, rabbits), birds, insects, berries, carrion
Solitary or in pairs/small family groups. Territorial. Active day and night, especially dawn and dusk.
Large, social ground squirrels, marmots are common in rocky alpine areas. They hibernate 8 months of the year and are active only during summer.
5-11 lbs. 18-28 inches long including tail
Alpine and subalpine rocky areas, talus slopes, boulder fields. Require rocks for burrows and lookout posts.
Herbivore - grasses, forbs, flowers. Feed heavily to build fat reserves for hibernation.
Social, living in colonies. Post sentries that whistle to warn of predators. Hibernate September-April.
Small rabbit relatives that live in rocky alpine areas, pikas are climate change indicators. They do not hibernate and remain active under snow all winter.
6-8 ounces. 6-8 inches long (no visible tail)
Alpine talus slopes and boulder fields above 9,000 feet. Require cool microclimates.
Herbivore - grasses, forbs, flowers. Create "haypiles" of dried vegetation for winter food.
Solitary and territorial. Active year-round, even in winter under snow. Make distinctive "eep" calls.
America's national bird, bald eagles are powerful raptors with a wingspan up to 7.5 feet. Adults have distinctive white heads and tails.
8-14 lbs. Wingspan: 6-7.5 feet
Near lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. Require large trees for nesting and perching.
Carnivore - primarily fish, also waterfowl, small mammals, carrion
Solitary or in pairs. Mate for life. Build massive stick nests that can weigh 2,000 pounds. Soar on thermals.
Colorado's state bird, Steller's jays are bold, intelligent corvids with striking blue and black plumage and a prominent crest.
3-5 ounces. 12-13 inches long
Coniferous and mixed forests from foothills to treeline. Common at campgrounds and picnic areas.
Omnivore - pine seeds, acorns, insects, berries, eggs, human food scraps
Bold and curious. Highly intelligent. Cache food for winter. Mimic hawk calls to scare other birds from feeders.
The smallest grouse in North America, ptarmigan are masters of camouflage. They change plumage from mottled brown in summer to pure white in winter.
12-16 ounces. 12-13 inches long
Alpine tundra above treeline. Require rocky areas with low vegetation.
Herbivore - willow buds, leaves, flowers, seeds, insects in summer
Well-camouflaged and often freeze when approached. Burrow under snow in winter for insulation. Feathered feet act as snowshoes.
A colorful ground squirrel with a distinctive gold-and-black striped back and reddish sides. These active, curious rodents are common around campgrounds and picnic areas throughout RMNP.
8-11 inches long. 0.5-1 pound
Coniferous forests, meadows, and rocky areas from 6,000 to 12,000 feet elevation. Active in open areas with good visibility.
Omnivore - seeds, nuts, berries, fungi, insects, and bird eggs. Cache food for winter.
Diurnal and highly active. Spend much time foraging on the ground. Hibernate in burrows from October to April. Very vocal with chirping and trilling calls.
The smallest chipmunk species in North America, least chipmunks are tiny, energetic rodents with distinctive facial stripes. They are common throughout RMNP in forested areas.
7-9 inches long. 1-2 ounces
Coniferous and mixed forests from 5,000 to 11,000 feet. Prefer areas with dense ground cover and rocky outcrops.
Omnivore - seeds, nuts, berries, fungi, insects, and small invertebrates. Cache seeds in burrows.
Diurnal and highly active. Spend much time foraging on the ground and in trees. Hibernate in burrows from September to May. Very vocal with chirping calls.
A medium-sized canid with distinctive rusty-red fur, white underside, and black legs. Red foxes are adaptable predators found in diverse habitats throughout RMNP.
3-5 pounds. 14-20 inches tall at shoulder. 24-33 inches long
Open meadows, forest edges, and mixed habitats. Prefer areas with good visibility for hunting rodents.
Carnivore - primarily small rodents (voles, mice), also rabbits, birds, insects, and berries.
Primarily nocturnal and crepuscular (active at dawn/dusk). Solitary or in pairs. Hunt by stalking and pouncing. Excellent hearing helps locate prey under snow.
A striking gray and black bird with a long, pointed bill. Clarks nutcrackers are highly intelligent corvids that play a crucial role in forest regeneration by caching and dispersing pine seeds.
12-13 inches long. 4-5 ounces
High-elevation coniferous forests, especially pine and spruce. Found from 7,000 to 12,000 feet elevation.
Primarily pine seeds. Also juniper seeds, insects, and berries. Cache thousands of seeds annually.
Highly intelligent and social. Cache seeds in multiple locations for winter food. Can remember cache locations months later. Vocal with loud, harsh calls.
A unique gray water bird with a stocky build and short tail. American dippers are the only songbird in North America that dives underwater to walk on stream bottoms while foraging.
7-8 inches long. 0.7-1.2 ounces
Fast-moving, clear mountain streams with rocky bottoms. Year-round residents of cold, oxygenated water.
Aquatic insects and larvae, small fish, and aquatic invertebrates. Forage by walking underwater on stream bottoms.
Solitary or in pairs. Dive and walk underwater using wings for propulsion. Dip up and down on rocks (hence the name). Sing year-round, even in winter.
A small alpine finch with dark plumage and distinctive rosy-red coloring on the wings, tail, and belly. Rosy finches are specially adapted to survive in harsh alpine environments above treeline.
5.5-6.5 inches long. 0.7-1 ounce
Alpine tundra above 10,000 feet. Breed on rocky alpine slopes. Winter in lower elevations.
Seeds from alpine plants and grasses. Also insects during breeding season. Forage on bare ground and snow.
Highly social, forming flocks. Breed in loose colonies on rocky alpine slopes. Migrate to lower elevations in winter. Adapted to extreme cold and wind.
A large, elegant wading bird with gray plumage and distinctive red crown. Sandhill cranes are iconic symbols of wetland ecosystems and are known for their elaborate courtship dances and haunting calls.
3-5 feet tall. 6-14 pounds. Wingspan: 6-7 feet
Wetlands, marshes, meadows, and riparian areas. Prefer shallow water with emergent vegetation.
Omnivore - aquatic plants, insects, small fish, frogs, and seeds. Forage by probing in mud and shallow water.
Highly social, forming large flocks. Perform elaborate courtship dances involving jumping, running, and bowing. Migrate between breeding and wintering grounds. Vocal with loud, distinctive calls.