Wildlife Wednesday - Happy International Mountain Day!

by Andy Ames

Happy International Mountain Day! To celebrate let’s recognize some of our alpine residents. While many animals of the Estes Valley spend at least part of the year up high, these three can be found at or above tree line year round.

Bighorn sheep are at home high up in the mountains. While some herds migrate to lower elevations, many stay high year round. Of the Estes area bighorn, the Continental Divide and Mummy Range herds winter on the tundra. By traveling along ridges, Bighorn sheep can find protection from the elements, as well as predators, on the leeward side. The predominantly westerly winds help clear snow from west facing slopes which allows access to alpine vegetation through the winter months

The White-tailed ptarmigan is well adapted to life in the alpine. Its white winter pelage consists of feathers that extend right down to the tips of its toes. These feathers not only provide great insulation but also act as snowshoes to help travel over snow. Sharp nails aid traction over ice. In the winter, ptarmigan move closer to tree line where patches of willow provide food as well as protection from the wind. During snow storms, or other harsh conditions, ptarmigan dig beds, or even burrows, for additional protection from the elements.

The American Pika spends all summer preparing for winter. Plants are harvested and hay piles formed in carefully selected locations beneath rocks. Since pika do not hibernate, these hay piles will provide their food for the winter. While pika spend much of the winter in dens under the snow, these hardy little creatures often come out to sun themselves while standing alertly on guard.

From left to right: big horn sheep, ptarmigan and pika in their winter alpine habitat.