Rocky Mountain National Park features stunning vistas of steep peaks, lush valleys, clear lakes, and enormous woods. This amazing national park is known for its gorgeous landscapes and unique animals. We'll explore Rocky Mountain's amazing environment, from majestic elk and elusive mountain lions to lovely yellow-bellied marmots and Stellar's jays.

1. Bighorn sheep

Image from Flickr by Rocky Mountain National Park

Habitat: Alpine meadows, rocky slopes

Bighorn sheep, the Rockies' icon, with brown coats and enormous curving horns. They ascend steep terrain quickly and establish "bands" for defense and mating.

2. Elk/Wapiti

Image from Flickr by Rocky Mountain National Park

Habitat: Meadows, forests

During mating season, elk bugle to attract females and maintain dominance.

3. Moose

Habitat: Wetlands and willow thickets.

Moose, the largest deer, have long legs, a humpback, and huge antlers. They feed on aquatic plants with their muzzles in lakes and marshes.

4. Black bear

Habitat: Forests

Black bears are stocky and stand about three feet tall at the shoulder. Due to their interest to human food, they are often seen near campers foraging and climbing.

5. Coyote

Image from Flickr by Rocky Mountain

Habitat: Open Meadows and forest edges

Coyotes are slim animals with grayish-brown coats. They howl in the mornings and evenings to communicate and mark their territory.

6. Mountain Lion (Puma)

Habitat: Forests, rocky areas, etc.

Mountain lions are the park's deadliest creatures. They're big, tawny cats with long tails. They hunt stealthily and agilely. Their strong jaws and keen claws kill deer.

7. Marmot

Image from Flickr by Rocky Mountain

Habitat: Alpine tundra, rocky slopes

Yellow-bellied marmots are fat and brown. They sunbathe on rocks while whistling to warn their colony of danger.

8. Pika

Image from Flickr by Rocky Mountain

Habitat: Rocks and talus slopes

Round, short-legged American pikas have grayish-brown fur. They gather winter hay and have unusual cries.

9. Stellar's Jay

Image from Flickr by Rocky Mountain

Habitat: Forest Regions

Stellar's jays are bright blue with black crests. They hop and call loudly. They hide food and imitate other birds.

10. Cutthroat Trout

Habitat: Lakes, streams

Cutthroat trout have red slash marks below their jaws and vibrant patterns. Their elusiveness and spirited bouts make them popular with anglers. Cutthroat trout swim well and eat freshwater insects and tiny fish.

Explore with Shaka Guide

Rocky Mountain National Park is home to a ton of different species - this was just a taste of some that you might spot on your visit! Witness the majestic bighorn sheep and elk roaming the meadows. Spot elusive mountain lions and black bears in the forests.

Experience the beauty of these animals in their natural habitat. If you’re planning a trip to the Rockies, be sure to check out our Rocky Mountain National Park tour, so you’re sure to not miss a thing!

We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.

For more detailed information to help you plan, check out our Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary and Know Before You Go article.

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