ROCKY MOUNTAIN
National Park
From the mighty elk to rare boreal toads, Rocky Mountains National Park protects animals of the high south-central continental divde. Elk number about 1000 in the park, and are easily seen. Moose are more rare, found primarily in the kawaneeche valley. Bighorn sheep are fond of coming to mineral licks in horseshoe park. Mountain lions are fairly common, but as is also true of bobcats, secretive and rarely seen. Black bears thrive in the parks lower forests. Hardy ptarmigan remain active at higher elevations through the winter, as do pikas. Ptarmigan, snowshoe hares, and ermine blend with the season, whitening in winter. Marmots and ground squirrels sleep deeply then, but are easily seen during the summer. Greenback Cutthroat Trout have been restored to many lakes and streams, where they feed on a rich insect fauna.
The Greenback Cutthroat Trout
the greenback cutthroat trout remains in only a single stream, outside their native range. it was listed as an endangered species in 1973 and downlisted to threatened in 1978.
The Bobcat
bobcats are known to eat rodents, birds, bats, and even adult deer, which they usually consume during the winter months, as well as lambs, poultry and young pigs when a ranch is near.
The Elk
described as a large northern deer with huge flattened antlers in the male. Elk are native to North America, Europe and Asia. the common habitat are mountains meadows and forests. The elk are herbivores and live on a diet of grass, plants, bushes, and saplings.
Type Of Plants In The Rockies
Wildflowers of the Rocky Mountains
The distribution of vegetation in the rocky mountains correlates directly to elevational changes, which influence the temperature and availability of moisture. Different plant communities characterize each zone (such as foothill, montane, subalpine, and alpine) from the base of a mountain to the top, and each zone may contain several types of plant communities. More than 5000 plant species occur in the rocky mountains. The wildflowers begin to bloom in the early spring, as soon as the snow starts to melt. The peak bloom season is mid-summer. This collection highlights some of the most common wildflowers found in the rocky mountains.
The Natives
Rocky Mountain Indian life is deeply moving, filled with pride , honor, and traditions. Besides stirring natural wonders and seemingly endless landscapes, the Northern Rockies boast a rich, fascinating past.