Overview
Rocky Mountain National Park has not only stunning vistas and nearly unending hiking trails, but it is also home to a wide variety of wildlife from majestic elk to the iconic bighorn sheep. Over sixty species of mammals, eleven species of fish, hundreds of species of birds, over three hundred different types of insects, and a number of reptiles and amphibians inhabit the park. While we may visit Rocky Mountain National Park, it is important to remember that these animals live here. We are entering their home. Thanks to park protection, they are able to live with little disturbance from humankind.
A typical visitor to Rocky may only see a tiny fraction of the life that thrives within its borders. Mountain lions, bears, bobcats, pine martins, and many of the park’s other occupants are rarely seen by people, but that doesn't mean they haven't seen you. The forests, marshlands, and tundra all teem with life—from the microscopic to the mighty.
Our national parks are not zoos or museums, but places of refuge for many animals. These areas once covered vast portions of our nation. In one sense they are reminders of what has been lost, but in other ways they are places of hope, preserving the diversity of life for tomorrow's restoration. Within the scope of this website there is simply not enough space to look in-depth at the many inhabitants of the park, but let's take a closer look at a few of its more popular residents.
Wildlife Viewing
The aim with watching wildlife is to do it in a way that will not disturb them. Bring a pair of binoculars with you and if you plan to do wildlife photography, bring a long lens for that purpose. I recommend a lens with a reach of at least 400mm.
A good rule of thumb (literally) is to stretch out your arm with your thumb up and try to block your view of the animal with your thumb. If you can still see any of the animal, then you are too close. It is generally recommended that you keep a distance of 75’ (23m) from elk and bighorn sheep. That’s about two bus lengths. For moose and bears you should keep at least 120’ (36m) between you and them. If you notice an animal turning to look at you, that means you are getting too close and should back away.
It should also go without saying that there is never a good time to feed a wild animal. They survive just fine without us and if we begin feeding them, they will develop a dependence on humans and may start to get aggressive around people in their pursuit of food. When that happens, the animal has to be killed. Furthermore, some of the foods that we eat cannot be digested by wild animals and can make them very ill. For the wellbeing of these animals, give them space and do not feed them.