Rocky National Park boasts its wildlife, each playing a distinctive role in the different ecosystems found here. Let’s find out which animals call the Rockies home.
Rocky Mountain Elk
![Rocky Mountain Elk](https://www.animalsaroundtheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/image-86-1-1200x800.jpg)
These majestic creatures are among the Rockies’ most iconic symbols. They can be spotted throughout the park, especially in meadows and open forests.
Bighorn Sheep
![Portrait of cute fluffy little Bighorn ram with little horns](https://www.animalsaroundtheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/bighorn-baby-sheep-1200x800.jpg)
Known for their impressive curved horns, bighorn sheep are often seen scaling cliffs and rocky terrain in the park.
Moose
![A male moose takes a rest in a field during a light rainshower.](https://www.animalsaroundtheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/1620px-A_male_moose_takes_a_rest_in_a_field_during_a_light_rainshower-1200x800.jpg)
Although not as common as some other species, moose can still be found in the wetter, more marshy areas of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Black Bear
![](https://www.animalsaroundtheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Depositphotos_340729958_XL-1200x739.jpg)
This elusive species is North America’s smallest and most widely distributed bear. They inhabit forests and can occasionally be spotted foraging for food.
Mountain Lion
![mountain lion](https://www.animalsaroundtheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/pexels-nicky-pe-7598287-1200x800.jpg)
Also known as cougars or pumas, these solitary predators roam the park’s mountains and forests, preying on deer and other small mammals.
Mule Deer
![](https://www.animalsaroundtheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Depositphotos_449055756_XL-1200x791.jpg)
Mule deer, easily recognizable by their large ears, are a common sight in the park, particularly in lower elevation areas.
American Pika
![](https://www.animalsaroundtheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Depositphotos_691796686_L-1200x800.jpg)
These small, rabbit-like mammals inhabit rocky alpine areas and are known for their distinctive “haystacks” of vegetation.
Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel
![](https://www.animalsaroundtheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Depositphotos_38095389_XL-1200x800.jpg)
Often mistaken for chipmunks, these ground squirrels are characterized by their golden stripes and can be found in forested and rocky areas.
Rocky Mountain Goat
![](https://www.animalsaroundtheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Depositphotos_19353773_XL-1200x797.jpg)
With their shaggy white coats and impressive climbing abilities, these goats are well adapted to the steep terrain of the Rockies.
Red Fox
![Red fox](https://www.animalsaroundtheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Vulpes_vulpes_ssp_fulvus-1200x900.jpg)
These cunning predators are often seen in the park’s meadows and forests, hunting small mammals and scavenging for food.
Yellow-bellied Marmot
![Yellow-bellied Marmot](https://www.animalsaroundtheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Depositphotos_5861677_XL-1200x833.jpg)
Commonly spotted sunning themselves on rocks, these large ground squirrels are found in alpine meadows and rocky slopes.
Coyote
![Coyote](https://www.animalsaroundtheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Depositphotos_213206028_XL-1200x800.jpg)
Highly adaptable and often seen at dawn or dusk, coyotes can be found throughout the park, hunting rodents and other small prey.
Bobcat
![Two bobcats sitting in forest](https://www.animalsaroundtheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/bobcat--1200x801.jpg)
Although elusive and rarely seen, bobcats inhabit the park’s forests and are skilled hunters of rabbits and rodents.
Clark’s Nutcracker
![](https://www.animalsaroundtheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Depositphotos_58307879_XL-1200x795.jpg)
This bird plays a crucial role in the park’s ecosystem by dispersing seeds of pine trees, particularly the whitebark pine.
Mountain Bluebird
![](https://www.animalsaroundtheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Depositphotos_7918833_XL-1200x800.jpg)
With its striking blue plumage, this bird is commonly seen flitting through meadows and open park areas.
American Dipper
![American Dipper swims underwater to feed.](https://www.animalsaroundtheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Cinclus_mexicanus_32129653978-1200x800.jpg)
Found along fast-flowing mountain streams, the American Dipper is known for its unique habit of diving underwater to forage for food.
Pine Siskin
![](https://www.animalsaroundtheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Depositphotos_126739262_XL-1200x800.jpg)
These small finches are often found in coniferous forests, where they feed on seeds and conifer cones.
Abert’s Squirrel
![](https://www.animalsaroundtheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Sciurus_aberti_barberi-1-1200x900.jpg)
Endemic to the Rocky Mountains, these squirrels are known for their tufted ears and can be found in ponderosa pine forests.
Northern Goshawk
![](https://www.animalsaroundtheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Depositphotos_59308139_XL-1200x793.jpg)
A powerful bird of prey, the Northern Goshawk hunts in the park’s forests, preying on birds and small mammals.
Western Tanager
![pretty western tanager sitting on a tree branch](https://www.animalsaroundtheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Depositphotos_457510716_XL-1200x803.jpg)
With its vibrant red and yellow plumage, the Western Tanager is a common sight in the park’s aspen groves and mixed forests.
Harlequin Duck
![duck, animals in nova scotia](https://www.animalsaroundtheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/harlequin-ducks-5559028_960_720-800x407.jpg)
These striking ducks are often seen in fast-flowing mountain streams and rivers, where they feed on aquatic insects and small fish.
Conclusion
![](https://www.animalsaroundtheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Depositphotos_217476228_XL-1200x776.jpg)
Each of these animals plays a vital role in their habitats in the Rockies. I hope you enjoyed reading about the animals that call the Rocky Mountains home. To read more like this, check out the articles below:
- Top 21 Animals Of Everglades National Park
- 21 Animals That Call Redwood National Park Home
- 21 Animals That Call Joshua Tree Home
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