Rocky Mountain National Park, like most national parks, is teeming with wildlife. In mammals alone, everything from bats to elk, marmots to big horn sheep can be found in the boundaries, making Rocky Mountain an ideal location for wildlife spotting in Colorado.
Migration is most commonly associated with birds and many of Rocky Mountain National Park’s birds do migrate, especially the water birds. But migrating wildlife come in all shapes in sizes, including the larger animals like elk and mule deer. Elk tend to migrate from high-elevation summer ranges to lower elevation winter ranges as the seasons change.
In response to these movements, Rocky Mountain National Park is asking visitors to help protect wildlife on the move. They ask that drivers slow down and stick to posted speed limits, keeping an eye on the side of the road for wildlife.
Drivers should always be prepared to stop for wildlife, whether they walk, fly, or hop. Animal activity can happen at any time of day, but drivers should be especially careful in the early morning and early evening. If you see wildlife attempting to cross a road in the park, slow down and stop. Give them plenty of space and time to cross safely.
Rocky Mountain National Park PSA:
Spring migration season is beginning for many species of wildlife, including Mule deer and elk. Help protect wildlife on the move. How can you help?
• When driving, slow down and follow the posted speed limits. Scan the sides of roads for wildlife and be prepared to stop for wildlife.
• Wildlife can walk, fly, or hop across roads at any time. Be especially careful in the early morning and early evening hours of the day.
• It is our responsibility to keep an eye out for wildlife crossing roads. When you see wildlife trying to cross a road in the park, slow down and stop. Give them space and time to safely cross.
Thank you for doing your part to help protect wildlife!
