Look for mule deer and elk in open meadows and valleys. Yellow bellied marmots often sun themselves upon rocks or near the roadway. Listen for their whistle (making them known as "whistle pigs"). Mountain forests are filled with the noisy territorial chatter of Chickaree squirrels (also known as red, pine or Douglas squirrels). Big horn sheep and mountain goats can be seen on the summit. Mountain goats have white shaggy fur, and black horns, while bighorn are buff colored and male sheep grow large horns that curl in a spiral with each year of life. Tiny rabbit like creatures known as pika survive in the rockpiles found above treeline, and are busy building haypiles to survive the long winters. White tailed ptarmigan can occasionally be seen, along with brown capped rosy finch’s and water pipits that migrate to the tundra during the summer season. Never feed wild animals and always watch them from a distance.
Pica store grass and forbs making hay to survive the long winter months at high lelevation
Mule deer drop to lower elevations during winter months where food sources are available.
Look for ptarmigan year round, but in winter, their plumage turns solid white. They will burrow into snowbanks to wait out snowstorms!
Elk are known by their larger size then mule deer, and for the famous "bugle" of males during the fall mating season.
Mountain goats are easily spotted at the summit. While very charming, do not try to pet, feed, or get close to them. Their shaggy white coats are very different from bighorn sheep.
Yellow bellied marmots love to sun themselves on rocks through the summer as they build layers of fat.
These marmots enter a state of turpor....a slowing down of their system to survive the winter....not hybernation, but a deep sleep.
Mountain goat male and female both grow slender black horns. Females bear young in the spring, and stay with them for a year.
Bighorn sheep have a tan brown coat, and females grown small thin horns, while rams grow thick curls that are important in establishing their dominance.
You might discover small birds and creatures in tree branches, sunning on rocks, or near streams. Approach quietly, and let them stay in their home.
Pine squirrels have a shrill call, and might drop pine cones on or near you!
Bighorn sheep can be seen near wet areas or salt licks. Watch from a distance.