Pika

Another above-treeline critter I fell in love with is the Pika. They are in the lagomorph order, making them closer relatives to rabbits than rodents. When I stopped at a pullout to take in fresh air, I heard a bunch of high pitched beeping sounds. It came from these cute buddies. Fun fact: they collect bundles of grass which get stored for the winter since they don't hibernate. I've also spotted some Yellow-bellied Marmot in some of the same rocky outcroppings as these guys.

These were all found above treeline in Rocky Mountain National Park, about 3 miles southeast of the Alpine Visitor Center.