Wild Animals Of The Rockies - free ebook by James P. (James Pershing) Gilligan

wild animals of the ROCKIES

with a list of mammals found in Rocky Mountain National Park By James Gilligan Additional copies of this booklet may be obtained by writing to the author at Boise Junior College, Boise, Idaho...

12 minute read

Read Chapter

PREFACE

Among the frequent questions by visitors to the Rocky Mountain region are those pertaining to the wild animals. What animals are found here? How can they be identified? What are the wildlife problems of the high country? These are common queries which this booklet attempts to answer. The author, a former ranger-naturalist in Rocky Mountain National Park, discovered through a visitor study in 1948 that a predominating interest of vacationers was in the wildlife of the area. Therefore, the writing

2 minute read

Read Chapter

WILDLIFE OF THE LAST HUNDRED YEARS

Before the arrival of settlers in the mountain valleys of north-central Colorado in 1860, only the Ute and Arapaho Indians of the region and a few adventuresome white trappers knew the wildlife then so abundant throughout the area. They alone had observed the thousands of elk and small groups of mountain bison (buffalo) grazing the alpine meadows in the summer. Plentiful herds of mule deer roamed the valleys and forests and hundreds of flocks of wild mountain sheep fed on tufts of grass and flow

9 minute read

Read Chapter

ELK-RANGE PROBLEM

It is the normal habit of the elk in the region to spend the nine winter months in the lower mountain valleys and the summer months foraging on the fresh and succulent meadow grasses of the subalpine forest and alpine tundra country above 10,000 feet. Because of man-made restrictions in their winter territory, the elk congregate principally in Moraine Park, Beaver Meadows, and Horseshoe Park at this time. The past years of protection and adequate vegetation so increased their numbers that early

1 minute read

Read Chapter

DEER-RANGE PROBLEM

Essentially the same problem has existed for mule deer as for elk, with the exception that deer, which do not congregate so readily into herds, browse principally on low shrubs or bush plants rather than on grass. They do not strip bark from aspen trees. This habit permits both elk and deer to range fairly compatibly within the Park area. Nevertheless, the deer population was also considered to be excessively large for the amount of winter food available. Therefore, a smaller proportion of their

40 minute read

Read Chapter

BIGHORN SHEEP POPULATION DECLINE

This country provides an extensive summer sheep range in the high rolling tundra and rugged peaks above timberline, in addition to a large wintering area in the lower timber and valleys. Strong winds in the winter sweep snow from the scant tundra vegetation and often make it possible for sheep to feed at these high altitudes even during the winter months. Even with these adequate topographic conditions, wild sheep in the National Park since 1922 have shown a slow, steady decrease in numbers unti

1 minute read

Read Chapter

BEAVER PROBLEM

The beaver, being a versatile and adaptable animal, is able to establish himself wherever there are small, permanent streams and sufficient aspen to provide him with logs and twigs for dams and houses and to provide food for his family. Consequently, any of the valleys in the Park which supply these requirements now contain numerous beaver. They represent more of a nuisance factor than a real game management problem. Occasionally they will inundate and drown aspen stands and associated vegetatio

2 minute read

Read Chapter

LIFE ZONES AND ANIMAL DISTRIBUTION

Two interpretations governing the vertical distribution of plants and animals in the western mountain regions have been developed in the past years. Both are based on the premise that definite plants and animals (known as zone indicators) have maximum and minimum altitudes, above and below which they are unable to survive. The net effect is to group these plants and animals into belts or zones on mountain slopes, which vary but little in elevation above sea level throughout the western United St

3 minute read

Read Chapter

THE HOOFED ANIMALS ELK (Cervus canadensis nelsoni)

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 (cows). 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

2 minute read

Read Chapter

MULE DEER (Odocoileus hemionus hemionus)

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 (bucks) 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

2 minute read

Read Chapter

MOUNTAIN SHEEP (Ovis canadensis canadensis)

A large, grayish-brown sheep with a distinct whitish rump patch. Males (rams) larger; up to 300 pounds, having horns which sweep back and down and finally, in older rams, curling forward. Females (ewes) 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

2 minute read

Read Chapter

THE FLESH EATERS (CARNIVORES) BLACK BEAR (Ursus americanus)

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 dis

1 minute read

Read Chapter

MOUNTAIN LION (Felis concolor hippolestes)

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 2½ 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

49 minute read

Read Chapter

BOBCAT (Lynx rufus uinta)

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 i

2 minute read

Read Chapter

COYOTE (Canis latrans lestes)

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

1 minute read

Read Chapter

RED FOX (Vulpes macroura)

Reddish-gold coat and a long bushy white-tipped tail. Dark legs. Smaller than a coyote. Total length 3½ 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

26 minute read

Read Chapter

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....

17 minute read

Read Chapter

BADGER (Taxidae taxus taxus)

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 themse

34 minute read

Read Chapter

STRIPED SKUNK (Mephitis mephitis varians)

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 provocatio

33 minute read

Read Chapter

SPOTTED SKUNK (Spilogale tenuis)

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....

11 minute read

Read Chapter

MARTEN (Martes caurina origenes)

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. Red Fox Coyote Marten 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 lu

36 minute read

Read Chapter

MINK (Mustela vison energumenos)

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.

30 minute read

Read Chapter

LONG-TAILED WEASEL (Mustela frenata nevadensis)

Very slender weasel with a flattened head and beady eyes. Fur is dark brown, black tip on tail, and buffy underparts. Winter coat is snow white with black-tipped tail, and is then called “ermine.” Total length 16 inches. There are about 36 different kinds of weasels in the United States. It is incredible that such a small body could contain such a remarkably vicious nature as that of the weasel. Most animals kills for food, but the long saber-sharp teeth of the weasel kill wantonly and apparentl

45 minute read

Read Chapter

SHORT-TAILED WEASEL (Mustela streatori lepta)

A very small weasel differing from the long-tailed weasel chiefly in size. Total length 9½ inches. Rare in the Park....

7 minute read

Read Chapter

THE PLANT EATERS (RODENTS) BEAVER (Castor canadensis concisor)

Compact, heavyset, water mammal with brown fur and a broad, horizontally-flattened, scaly tail. Large, webbed hind feet. Total length about 3½ feet. Average weight about 40 pounds. When swimming, only the top half of the head, shoulders, and part of the back appear above water. For positive identification, watch for the broad, black tail which may slap the water, or “flip up” when it dives. This largest of North American rodents is very abundant and widely distributed in many of the mountain str

1 minute read

Read Chapter

MUSKRAT (Ondatra zibethica osoyoosensis)

This water mammal might well be a miniature beaver to the casual observer, with the one distinguishing feature of having a long, scaly tail flattened in the vertical plane instead of the beaver’s broad, flat tail. Length not more than 2 feet. When swimming, only a small portion of the top of the animal shows above water, along with a thin edge of the tail, which is used with a sculling and rudder effect. Muskrat are common in the Park, often living in beaver-made ponds. They are therefore often

55 minute read

Read Chapter

PORCUPINE (Erethizon dorsatum epixanthum)

Large, spiny rodent with high arched back, small black head, blunt nose, and heavy, short tail. Spines yellowish-white tipped with dark brown. Movements clumsy; slow, waddling gait. Total length up to 3 feet. Common in the montane and subalpine forests of the region, the “quill pig” has been able to thrive because his potential predators can seldom discover that the only way to kill him, is to flip him over on his back and rip open his belly. Many interested animals, however, come away from a po

1 minute read

Read Chapter

MARMOT (Marmota flaviventris luteola)

A medium sized western woodchuck having a variable shade of reddish-brown fur and a dark brown tail. Has a small band of white across the face. Total length up to 2½ feet and weight up to 20 pounds. They are 2 or 3 times larger than ground squirrels. Marmots or “whistle pigs” as they are often called, are among the most easily observed mammals in the Rockies. They are found everywhere, particularly in rocky slides, boulder, and cliff areas from the Park boundary up to the tops of the highest pea

48 minute read

Read Chapter

ABERT SQUIRREL (Sciurus aberti ferreus)

A large, heavy-bodied tree squirrel with a long, bushy tail. Has 3 distinct color phases; gray, dark brown, and black, all of which are common in the Park. Has long ear-tufts which are shed in the spring and grown out again by fall. Total length 20 inches. Of the two kinds of tree squirrels in the Park, the aristocratic-appearing abert or tufted-ear squirrel is predominant in the montane or yellow pine valleys and ridges. They feed on the fine branches of yellow pine and on pine cone seeds. Thei

31 minute read

Read Chapter

CHICKAREE (Sciurus fremonti fremonti)

A small, alert tree squirrel with back and sides a grayish-rust color; white underparts. Tail is white fringed. Distinguished from the abert squirrel by smaller size and the narrow white line around the eye. Total length is 13 inches. Formerly known as Fremont’s squirrel. This little chickaree or pine squirrel (as he is often called) is the chattering “alarm box” of the spruce-fir forests. They prefer the cool, denser, subalpine forests well above the range of the tufted-ear squirrel. Feeding ch

34 minute read

Read Chapter

RICHARDSON GROUND SQUIRREL (Citellus richardsonii elegans)

A pale brown squirrel with a relatively short tail and a characteristically stiff, erect posture on occasion, which alone is enough for identification. Total length about 11 inches. Widely distributed in the west and formerly called Wyoming ground squirrel or picket-pin gopher in the southern Rockies. It is not a gopher. These gregarious little fellows so frequently seen, alert and erect along the roadsides, have invaded the flat mountain meadows from the lower foothills. Living in colonies some

35 minute read

Read Chapter

GOLDEN-MANTLED GROUND SQUIRREL (Callospermophilus lateralis lateralis)

Larger than a chipmunk, chestnut-gray on head and back. Distinguished from chipmunks by having black and white strips on its sides (none down the middle of the back) and by having a plain face with no stripping. Not as nervous and quick as the chipmunk. Total length 11 inches. Formerly called Say’s ground squirrel in this locality. These trusting little fellows are the most commonly seen, photographed, and fed animals in the Park, (including the rangers). Dozens of these beautifully striped squi

1 minute read

Read Chapter

LEAST CHIPMUNK (Eutamias minimus operarius)

This little chipmunk is distinguished from the only other similar rodent in the Park, the golden-mantled ground squirrel, by its small size and nervous habit, stripes down the middle, as well as the sides of the back, and by narrow strips of black and white on its face. The tail is relatively long and bushy. Total length 8 inches. Found in Colorado east of the Continental Divide, from foothills to above timberline. Another least chipmunk (Eutamias minimus consobrinus) probably overlaps the range

51 minute read

Read Chapter

WESTERN CHIPMUNK (Eutamias quadrivittatus quadrivittatus)

A close relative of the least chipmunk of northwestern Colorado, which is rarely seen within the Park boundaries, and then not above 9,000 feet; is slightly larger and has a proportionately longer tail than the least chipmunk. Total length 8½-9½ inches....

12 minute read

Read Chapter

NORTHERN POCKET GOPHER (Thomomys talpoides fossor)

A reddish-brown rodent with long, heavy, front digging claws. When compared to ground squirrels the pocket gopher has a heavier, chunky body and a shorter, thick tail. Has large, furlined cheek pouches. Total length 8½ inches. This group of pocket gophers is widely distributed from the great plains to the Pacific coast. Another subspecies (Thomomys talpoides clusius) occurs rarely in the Park although it is common in the plains and foothills. It resembles fossor except that its fur is brownish-g

1 minute read

Read Chapter

BUSHY-TAILED PACK RAT (Neotoma cinerea orolestes)

A large rat, reddish-gray with heavy black linings on the back; color variations are considerable and may even grade into yellowish-gray. Bushy, gray tail; large ears and beady eyes. Total length up to 17 inches. Formerly known as a wood rat. Least Chipmunk This notorious mountain rat is widely distributed over the state from 4,600 feet up to the tops of the highest peaks. Often frequenting buildings and cabins in the mountains, the pack rat has also been labeled a trade rat. These names are der

55 minute read

Read Chapter

DEER MOUSE (Peromyscus maniculatus rufinus)

A round-eared mouse with tawny brown upper parts, and white feet and underparts. Total length up to 6 inches. Like the pack rats, these are common in the mountain regions, particularly around dwellings, although they are much more easily seen than the rats. Unlike the disagreeable house mice, they keep themselves exceptionally clean. As they do not hibernate, they are commonly seen throughout the winter months from valley to timberline. They are also known as the white-footed deer mice of the mo

24 minute read

Read Chapter

CLIFF MOUSE (Peromyscus nasutus nasutus)

A very large-eared mouse with dark, black and gray back. Total length up to 6 inches. Sometimes called the long-nosed deer mouse, they are found occasionally in the Park, chiefly east of the Continental Divide. They prefer living in rocky areas, and are not as abundant as the true deer mouse (maniculatus)....

15 minute read

Read Chapter

JUMPING MOUSE (Zapus princeps princeps)

A large mouse with a dark back and greatly elongated hindlegs. Very long tail. Total length 9 inches. This “kangaroo-like” mouse is found more commonly in the vegetation along the cold, rushing mountain streams. Although weighing less than an ounce, they make average hops or leaps from five to six feet at a bound....

16 minute read

Read Chapter

THE VOLES

These little mammals are all members of a family of rodents which are set apart by their stocky, clumsy build, small ears, blunt heads, and certain skeletal differences. They have a decided preference for the colder regions of the globe and are generally a populous group in the world of rodents, the most numerous and widely distributed of which are the meadow voles. They are merely listed here to show the variety that have been found in the Park and to give an indication of their relative abunda

31 minute read

Read Chapter

LONG-TAILED VOLE (Microtus longicaudaus mordax)

Common in all types of habitat....

3 minute read

Read Chapter

DWARF VOLE (Microtus montanus fusus)

Common on grassy hillsides and drier meadows....

3 minute read

Read Chapter

MEADOW VOLE (Microtus pennsylvanicus modestus)

Common in damp meadows....

2 minute read

Read Chapter

RED-BACKED VOLE (Clethrionomys gapperi galei)

Occasional in damp woods....

2 minute read

Read Chapter

NORTHERN VOLE (Phenacomys intermedius intermedius)

Rarely found in the subalpine zone....

3 minute read

Read Chapter

THE HARES, RABBITS, AND PIKAS

These animals were formerly included in the order of rodents. However, instead of having the rodents’ four front (incisor) teeth, (two above and two below), these have six. The extra pair are tiny and not very useful, being placed directly behind the upper front teeth. This anatomical difference is the scientific basis for separating the rodents and the rabbits....

17 minute read

Read Chapter

PIKA (Ochotona princeps saxatilis)

A small, tailless member of the rabbit family, guinea-pig like in form, with short, round ears and a varying colored coat, ranging from buffy to brown. Total length 7 inches. Height at shoulder 3 inches. Pika Cottontail Rabbit The little, abrupt-moving pika is found abundantly among the rock slides and slopes from timberline to the highest alpine peaks. Its high, quick bleat or shrill squeak, ventriloquistic in character, may be heard at any of the large rock piles in the alpine zone. Having a p

50 minute read

Read Chapter

COTTONTAIL RABBIT (Sylvilagus nuttallii pinetis)

Small rabbit with feet and ears shorter than a jack rabbit or snowshoe hare. Fur remains dark grayish brown in winter. Short fluffy tail prominent while running. The snowshoe hare in its summer coat resembles the cottontail. However, the hare has larger hind feet and runs with great bounding leaps, in contrast to the short, rapid hops of the cottontail. Total length 16 inches. Ear length slightly over 2 inches. The common little cottontail frequents the woods and valleys of the montane zone. The

49 minute read

Read Chapter

WHITE-TAILED JACK RABBIT (Lepus townsendii townsendii)

A large hare with very long ears (about 5 inches) and long, powerful hind limbs. Coat is a varying shade of gray turning paler in winter. In the very high altitudes, the coat will turn an almost white shade. in which coloration it resembles the snowshoe hare. Total length 24 inches. Found west of the Continental Divide. A subspecies (Lepus townsendii campanius) is found east of the Divide. Description same as above....

21 minute read

Read Chapter

SNOWSHOE HARE (Lepus americanus bairdii)

Very much like the white-tailed jack rabbit, except the ears are not over 3 inches in length, and the coloration is more buffy-gray in summer. Changes to a thick, pure white coat in winter with only the tips of the ears remaining black. Total length 17 inches. The snowshoe rabbit has gained its name from the hair covering the long toes and large feet. These “snowshoes” enable the animals to travel over the lightest snow crusts without sinking out of sight. Its wonderful protective coloration bot

45 minute read

Read Chapter

THE SHREWS (INSECTIVORES)

Shrews and moles both belong to the order of insectivores, so called because their diet consists principally of insects. No moles have been reported for the Park as yet. The nervous little shrew, smallest of all North American mammals, is distinctly mouse-like at first glance. Closer inspection, however, will reveal a very small, darting animal with long, pointed, quivering nose, tiny or hidden eyes and ears, a slender body, and a gray, velvet-like fur that brushes easily either way. Even the sm

51 minute read

Read Chapter

MASKED SHREW (Sorex cinereus cinereus)

Common in all life zones of the Park....

3 minute read

Read Chapter

DUSKY SHREW (Sorex obscurus obscurus)

Common up to timberline in moist areas....

3 minute read

Read Chapter

DWARF SHREW (Sorex nanus)

Probably occasional in montane zone....

2 minute read

Read Chapter

WATER SHREW (Sorex palustris navigator)

Probably occasional in and about streams of montane and subalpine zones. Deer Mouse Big Brown Bat...

7 minute read

Read Chapter

THE FLYING MAMMALS (BATS)

The bats are set apart from all other mammals because they have the power of flight. Otherwise, they possess the mammal characteristics of having a fur covering and suckling their young. Bats are rarely seen during the daylight hours, as they spend this time hanging upside down by claw-like feet in and about buildings and in branches of trees. They are mostly brownish or grayish with large “leathery” wings. Body length is from three to five inches; wing expanse six to twelve inches. Weight ¼ to

1 minute read

Read Chapter