Spanning around 415 miles, Rocky Mountain National Park is a protected area of Colorado established in 1915, containing mountains, meadows, and lakes. The National Park is a much-loved place by birdwatchers, wildlife enthusiasts, and hikers. With gorgeous views, over 300 miles of hiking trails, and hundreds of different animal species, there is something there for everyone to enjoy.
Entering The Wildside
Going on an adventure in nature can be the most humbling and relaxing way to release the bad vibes of our wild lives. Taking a break from the wild side and entering wildlife can positively impact our mental and physical states. Leaving the madness behind, you never know what you will find waiting on the other side. Something cuddly with 4 legs? Ssslithering with no legs? Here are 7 animals that you can find in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park.
The Perfect Pika
My new favorite animal! These cute fluffballs reach the size of 8 inches or 20 centimeters. However, don’t let their adorable appearance fool you, they are one of America’s toughest animals. They have evolved to handle the toughest environments and have found ways to hide from predators and protect each other within their colonies.
The North American Wolverine
This boy is the biggest member of the Mustelidae (Weasel) family. Now an endangered species, these cuties are under protection. Climate change has threatened their species a lot as they need a lot of snow to multiply. The females give birth in snow dens, birthing their young in the cold of mid-February. They are sly and able to face predators bigger than themselves. The only predator that they cannot face is humankind, so it is up to us to face ourselves for them.
Dipping In and Out
He can sing, fly, and walk underwater! What more could you want? These medium-sized, bobbing birds can be found close to fast-flowing streams and rivers. This is where they create their mossy nests, walk along the stream floors in search of insect lava for food, and hang out on little rocky or branch perches alongside the water.
Howling In The Hills
Once thought to be wiped out, the Mexican Grey Wolf now roams the US again. In 1998, the Fish and Wildlife Services reintroduced 11 of these beauties into Arizona. They may be running free again but don’t be mistaken, they are still one of the top endangered species.
The Moody Marmot
I love marmots, they always look so grouchy and annoyed. Their looks don’t do justice to their grouchyness. The marmot lives in a constant state of battle, for safety, dominance, and territory. The only marmots with the ability to reproduce are the most dominant ones since they have bullied the others to the point that their stress prevents them from having kids. Brutal! Even more so, is the fact that if another does want to reproduce, they are willing to kill their parents, the dominants, to do so. I guess my dream of cuddling one is out of the window.
The Malevolent Marten
The Pine Marten is so cute with his little fluffy body and tiny paws. As a relative to the wolverine, no not the fictional character but the animal, they too are predators on the prowl. With their sharp claws and nimble nature they feed on birds, insects, rodents, and even chipmunks and squirrels. Their claws help them climb trees, making some of their prey easier to catch. Sadly, their species are endangered becoming a threatened species as climate change wears away their winter wonderland. (Fun fact: a group of martens is called a richness.)
The Magnificent Moose
This animal is definitely not one that you can miss. The moose is the biggest animal that you will find in the Rocky Mountain National Park. To shed a bit of light on their size, the tallest human, Robert Wadlow was 8’11inch, and the tallest moose was 7’7inch. Measuring up to their shoulder the average adult moose stands at around 6 feet. I think I’ll stick with chocolate mousse thanks.
Your Adventure Awaits
There are so many more animals to see throughout the National Park. This is a place of natural magic, somewhere where you can breathe in the fresh air and leave your worries behind. Why are you still sitting there? You should be packing!
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