Read Ebook: Wild Animals of the Rockies With a List of Mammals found in Rocky Mountain National Park by Gilligan James P James Pershing

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Striped Skunk Badger Richardson Abert Squirrel Cliff Mouse Ground Squirrel

All other mammals in the area, not mentioned above, probably range throughout these zones, especially during the summer months. Lodgepole pine may occur in the montane zone, while lodgepole pine and aspen are also abundant in the burned-over areas of the subalpine region. They are classified as sub-climax species and therefore not acceptable as zone indicators. When considering the altitude of timberline, it is important to understand that it will vary as much as 500 feet above or below the average of 11,300 feet, depending generally on the quantities of sunlight received. On warmer south and west slopes, timberline may go as high as 11,800 feet, while on the shaded north and east slopes it may drop down to 10,800 feet.

THE MAMMALS OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK

While the term "animal" is commonly used in speaking of our four-footed wildlife, it is best to record with more complete accuracy that "animals" include any living thing having sensation and the power of voluntary movement. This would therefore admit a great variety of creatures such as one-celled protozoa, worms, fish, frogs, snakes, birds, and finally the four-footed animals mentioned--mammals. Mammals are set apart as a special group of animals for two reasons: they have some sort of hair covering on their bodies and the females are equipped with mammary glands for nursing their young, features which none of the other "animals" possess.

THE HOOFED ANIMALS

ELK

Much taller and heavier than deer, with a dark brown, shaggy neck mane contrasting with the tan of the body. Large, round, cream-colored patch on rump. No antlers on females . Running or galloping type gait.

A large number of these majestic animals are present in the region. In late June when snows melt from the high country meadows, bands of cows with their calves, may be found grazing in high valleys near timberline, or in the open tundra country above timberline. Cow elk usually bear a single calf each year. The characteristic white spotting on young calves usually disappears by mid-August, whereas deer fawn spots persist into the fall season. Occasionally, a bull will mingle and wander with a band. Large summer herds are often seen on the distant tundras from the Trail Ridge Road above timberline. Hikers have recently reported abundant elk in the extensive, isolated areas north of the Mummy range. The elk remain above 10,000 feet usually until the first week of September, when they migrate to the lower timber and valleys. This is the start of the mating season, when the bull antlers are being polished and hardened. The challenging "bugle" of the bull elk can then be heard ringing out in a soul-stirring manner. The bulls at this time engage in a series of minor skirmishes with one another, for the purpose of dominating a group of cows during the rutting season. Sometimes these meetings develop into mighty battles, with these large, antlered beasts weighing up to 700 pounds apiece, pushing and gouging with their antlers and striking at each other with large front hoofs, until the vanquished flees. This is illustration on a grand scale, of nature's way of providing the strongest animals for breeding and continuation of a strong stock.

Beaver Meadows and Horseshoe Park are particularly good places to view elk in the fall, from an auto. These cautious animals have excellent hearing ability and an exceptionally good sense of smell. They can detect a human a half mile away in proper wind, and once alarmed will retreat immediately to the wooded slopes. At the height of the rutting season, however, the elk are less easily alarmed. When elk can be seen from road parking areas, it is best to remain quietly in the car, as the gasoline odors seem to overpower any human scent they might obtain. Whatever the season, elk are most easily observed when they are feeding, either in early morning hours or at dusk. Often they can be "spotlighted" from the highway after twilight either on the tundra or in the valleys.

MULE DEER

A stout, chunky-bodied deer with a yellowish-gray coat, turning to gray in winter. Has big ears, small white rump patch; white tail with black tip is held down while running. Has stiff legged, bounding type gait. Antlers on males only.

These beautiful creatures are the most abundant and widely distributed large animals in the Park. They may be found singly or in small groups throughout the forest and meadows, during the summer, and often graze at dusk and during the night near the Trail Ridge Road, from 8,000 to 12,000 feet altitude. In early June the females usually bear their white-spotted, twin fawns in the deep forests; while the males , having left the family circle, are ranging far and wide in the wilderness. In early October the snows and winds usually drive the deer into the lower regions, where they assemble in small herds. The necks of the bucks begin to swell, heralding the approach of the rutting season, and a series of fights or "tussles" ensue among the bucks for possession of their harems of three to five does. These fights consist of the males horning and pushing one another around for short periods, when the stronger buck will finally throw the other off his feet and gore him with sharp, pointed antlers until he leaves. Mule deer herd together in the winter, feeding on aspen leaves and branches, and pawing away the snow from low bushes and shrubs to obtain their preferred diet. When the snow has melted on the steep south slopes in early June, they break up into little bands and scatter to the four winds.

Mule deer have sharp eyes and a good sense of smell and hearing. However, they have a peculiar sense of curiosity and, if not alarmed, will often approach a spectator quite closely.

The number of points on mule deer antlers is a very poor indication of age. A yearling will usually have a pair of spikes six to eight inches long, but between two and five years of age the antlers may continue to hold the four points . Deer antlers frequently deteriorate with age and "go back" to two points or to a freakish number of points, sometimes numbering up to twenty-four points on a head. Very old deer and elk usually have short, scrubby sets of antlers and, of course, all elk and deer males lose their antlers in early spring and start immediately growing a new set. The hoofed animals in the Park are preyed on by cougar, coyotes, and bobcats. The coyote, originally a plains animal, has developed into a stronger and heavier mountain species, capable of bringing down adult deer and the younger elk and sheep.

MOUNTAIN SHEEP

A large, grayish-brown sheep with a distinct whitish rump patch. Males larger; up to 300 pounds, having horns which sweep back and down and finally, in older rams, curling forward. Females weigh up to 175 pounds, with smaller horns pointing backward with slight curvature. Ewe horns have a vague resemblance to the mountain goat horns, but there are no wild goats in the southern Rocky Mountains. Mountain sheep are also called bighorns.

No other animal of the Rockies is so symbolic of the wild, rugged grandeur of the Western mountain peaks as the mountain sheep. While they graze on sweet summer grasses and flowers of the alpine meadows and slopes, at 12,000 or more feet altitude, they are truly kings of all the vast domain they survey. They are all the more precious in the sanctuary of Rocky Mountain National Park. It is possible to drive up Trail Ridge Road and if one is ambitious, continue on foot up several miles of tundra slope to see one of the finest animal creatures placed on our planet. There are few places in this country where access to the high mountain peaks and sight of the bighorn is as easy.

The ewes bear their lambs singly, among the crags and rocky basins high above timberline, in late spring. After a few weeks they congregate in small flocks along with the yearlings to spend the summer in thin-aired solitude. The older rams keep by themselves, alone or in smaller bands. When the winter winds and snows begin whirling around the lofty peaks, the sheep seek refuge in protected cliffs and timber, or even move to lower valleys. The mating or rutting season occurs in November, accompanied by terrific battles among the rams for their harems. The opponents race at each other, leaping into the air for the final, powerful crash of horns, which may be heard a mile away. After a number of such encounters, the smaller or weaker sheep gives up and walks away. The skulls of rams are well adapted to the terrible beating they take in battle. The top front of the skull is double, having a layer of bone, then a space, then another layer of bone surrounding the brain case. In addition, the rams have a one-inch or more layer of shock-absorbing cartilage on the skull in back of the horns, joining the head and the backbone. Ram horns are not lost each year as are the antlers of deer and elk. Rather, they furnish a good indication of the age of the sheep, as they add a definite ridge or ring to the horn in its lengthening growth each fall season.

Bighorn bands have been observed recently in the following areas during the summer: The Never Summer Range, the Mummy Range, Flattop Mountain and peaks in vicinity, MacGregor Mountain, Specimen Mountain, Mount Ida and Sheep Rock, and on the crests near Trail Ridge Road above timberline. The small bands of sheep in the Park will shift with the season and with the year, but the last three named areas probably offer the easiest opportunity for viewing them. Sheep are usually on the move and feeding only in the very early morning hours and evening hours, often bedding down in secluded places in late morning and early afternoon. When stalking them, keep in mind that bighorn's eyes are exceptionally sharp and capable of detecting a moving human up to two miles away. If you can spot them first with a field glass and then keep out of sight until near them, your chances of a good view are much improved.

THE FLESH EATERS

BLACK BEAR

Bulky, heavily furred animal up to 3 feet in height when on all fours. Born with and retains either a black or cinnamon-brown fur. Adults weigh about 300 pounds, sometimes much more.

Although there are an estimated thirty black bear roaming the deep forests of the region, they are only occasionally seen because of their solitary, nocturnal habits. They are infrequently observed lumbering across a road or foraging an outdoor garbage pit in the evening. The latter practice is discouraged, when discovered, to prevent them from becoming "bum" bears. Because of their unpredictable and sometimes vicious manner, it is unwise to feed or make friendly overtures toward any bear. They have only fair eyesight, but in the woods can scent or hear a human coming long before he might be seen, and will slip silently away through the woods, despite their bulk. The heavy, clustered bear dung and large tracks are the most usual sign of bear in the region. The diet is largely ants, grubs, berries, roots, and some small rodents. Bears in the region will den up in early December and go into a light sleep or semi-hibernation, living off their stored fat layers. They may be easily wakened from this sleep. The females, which have mated the previous May, usually bear twin cubs in February. The cubs, strangely enough, are about the size of an adult squirrel when born. They grow rapidly and are soon out in the scattered snow fields feeding with Mama.

MOUNTAIN LION

Very large, slender cat with small head and long, heavy, black-tipped, cylindrical tail. Fur soft, yellowish or reddish brown. Length, including tail, about 7 feet, height at shoulder almost 2 1/2 feet, weight varies from 100 to 176 pounds.

These great, sleek cats are among the most elusive of all animals to be seen in the wild. Because of their natural wariness and highly developed senses of smell and hearing, few persons have ever sighted the lithe, muscular body. Those who have, usually discover them from a distance, "sunning" on some rocky ledge or cliff. A few cougars are reported inhabiting the small canyons off the Devil's Gulch area, northeast of Estes Park. If true, it is probably these cats making their circle "tour" of 50 to 100 miles in a few days' search of game, that are infrequently seen in the Park. Cougars prefer fresh meat and prey chiefly on deer, but will catch rabbits and rodents occasionally. They have been known to trail a human long distances, but rarely show themselves or attack.

BOBCAT

General appearance like an extremely large domestic cat. There is considerable variation of color pattern in different kinds of bobcats, but the species seen in this area is buffy above with fine streaks of gray and black; black bands appear prominently on legs. Total length about 3 feet; tail 6 inches. Weight up to 25 pounds. Note: The only animal the bobcat might be confused with is the lynx. The bobcat is smaller, buffy rather than gray, has smaller feet and short 1 inch ear tufts. The lynx is practically extinct in this area, while the bobcat or their tracks may be seen occasionally.

The little bobcat ranges through the woods mostly at night seeking small rodents, rabbits, grouse, and ptarmigan. Like his giant cousin, the cougar, he will invariably detect quickly the presence of any intruder and quietly slip away. The presence of long hairs between his toes in winter, forming a "snowshoe-like" pad, enables him to travel swiftly through winter snows. Although wary of man, he will frequent settled areas where food in the form of rats, mice, and rabbits is common.

COYOTE

Looks somewhat like a German shepherd dog with a yellowish gray coat and long, bushy tail. The coyote has a pointed nose, and a heavy tail which, when the animal is running, seems to float behind. Total length about 4 feet; weight up to 35 pounds. This species of coyote is usually larger than the familiar plains variety, and may be confused only with the larger wolf, which has disappeared from this region.

This crafty and bold "wild dog" is very common and increasing in the entire area, from the lower hills to above timberline. Their increase may be accounted for not only by their extreme cunning and adaptability to the invasion of man, but also because they produce the high average litter of six young each year. Scarcity of food, persecution by man, and the great stamina of coyotes has helped him become the outstanding predator in North America, both in numbers and extent of range. They will eat practically anything--birds, insects, carrion, rodents, rabbits; and when in packs can overcome large game animals, which are in a weakened condition due to severe winters. I have seen coyotes in many of the lower valleys of the Park in mid-morning hours, "playing" with ground squirrels. They grab and fling them several times into the air, catching them expertly each time and finally gulping them down. The coyote becomes more awesome if you have heard its weird howl floating out of a moonlight night.

RED FOX

Reddish-gold coat and a long bushy white-tipped tail. Dark legs. Smaller than a coyote. Total length 3 1/2 feet. Weight up to 14 pounds.

This fox is regarded as uncommon in the region and is difficult to see because it runs chiefly at night. They are swift and cunning, feeding on wood rats, mice, and birds throughout the area. Because of the value of their pelts in the fur trade, they have been heavily trapped and, not being as diversified in habit, have been unable to survive as well as the coyote.

CROSS FOX

This color variation of the red fox is similar except the coat is an intermixture of reddish, gray, and black tones. It has been seen in this region. The silver or black fox color phases of this red fox have not as yet, been reported for the Park. One litter of the red fox may contain several varieties of these phases.

BADGER

Stout, flat-looking body with shaggy, silver-gray fur. Black and white distinctive markings on the face and head. Long, heavy claws. Total length about 28 inches. Weighs up to 20 pounds.

This compact, tough little badger, while more common in the plains and foothills, now digs its solitary burrow in the lower mountain meadows. As they capture prey by digging them out, they are usually found wherever there are ground squirrel colonies; but will also feed on skunks and marmots. They can dig themselves out of sight in the ground in a few minutes. Like the bears, they fatten up in the fall and go into a period of semi-hibernation from which they may waken and wander about during warmer winter days.

STRIPED SKUNK

A stout bodied animal about the size of a house-cat, with a small head, large bushy tail, and short legs. Color black with a double stripe of white running the length of the back. Tail black and white. Total length about 28 inches. Weight up to 10 pounds.

This famous little night hunter sleeps most of the day and when awake is commonly seen roaming about human habitations. He feeds largely on small mice, insects, and also likes birds' eggs. He releases his potent scent only on extreme provocation or surprise and is actually quite a docile, friendly little fellow. If picked up by the tail, he may or may not fumigate the air.

SPOTTED SKUNK

A smaller and more slender skunk distinguished by a number of narrow white stripes on the back which tend to break up, often resulting in spots. Rare in the Park and then only east of the Continental Divide.

MARTEN

A large weasel-like animal with prominent ears and a bushy tail. Warm brown color except on chest and underparts which are yellowish. Total length about 25 inches.

The elongated, agile-bodied marten is largely nocturnal, but because of his abundance is now rather commonly seen during the day in the subalpine forests of the Park. On the trails in Wild Basin, Bear Lake, and upper Colorado River Valley areas, he may be attracted to put in a bold appearance, by setting out a lure of smelly meat or fish. Ordinarily, they feed on chickarees and small rodents of the deep forest. They are primarily climbers, but are equally at home on the forest floor.

MINK

A slim, rich dark-brown animal with a pointed nose, small ears, and fairly bushy tail. Movements are snake-like. Does not turn white in winter as will his smaller cousin, the weasel. Total length about 25 inches.

Aggressive and crafty killers, mink are infrequently seen along stream areas of the Park. They are as much at home in the water as out of it, catching fish and muskrats, as well as numerous small land rodents. Mink can travel miles along water courses with their bounding, graceful lope. Here they record their passage with tracks in the sand or mud. When angry, they emit a powerful, offensive odor.

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