A yellow-bellied marmot rests on a rock pile in Colorado’s alpine tundra of Rocky Mountain National Park, blending into its rugged, windswept surroundings.

American Pika (Ochotona princeps)

Mt. Evans, Colorado

August 2022

HOW CUTE IS THIS LITTLE ONE???

Fun Facts:

* Pikas are one of the few mammals in the lower 48 states that survive their entire lives in alpine terrain, the windswept no-man's-land above tree line.

* Pikas are herbivores. In the winter months, fewer grasses and flowers grow in the mountains. To prepare for the lean times, pikas like to save up food during the summer. They will collect a pile of extra wildflowers and grasses and lay them out in the sun. The sun's heat dries the plants so they don't get moldy. The plants are stored in the pika's den until winter.

* Pikas are small. Adults only average 6 inches and 6 ounces. (When I first heard and then spotted this one I thought it was a kind of mouse!)

This encounter occurred while hiking up Quandary Peak in Breckenridge, Colorado.

WE DID IT!! We hiked a 14er!!!

I truly have absolutely no idea how we did it, but we did. Really, still trying to process it.

I think ultimately my fear of heights forced me up. The thought of turning around and looking down was more terrifying than the physicality of going up. And it was PHYSICAL. The hardest thing we have ever done, including Brian’s marathons and century rides. Just before the summit, everyone takes a few steps then a few seconds breath. Just one foot in front of the other is all you think about. (And for me, that up is better than down 😄.)

We also had the most incredible, experienced guide, Tanner Thompson, with Colorado Adventure Guides. He could have easily lapped us a few times, all while carrying a 50lb pack!! He was amazing. Without him, we NEVER could have done it. He kept close watch over us and kept spirits up. He was a search and rescue expert, and we were even fitted with avalanche locators as the weather can change significantly on a dime. Luckily, we had great weather the entire time.

My husband had some altitude issues for a bit going up which required a few stops, and my fear of heights really slowed the first half of our descent. BUT WE DID IT!!

The stats:

Mt. Quandary

Summit 14,271’

Trail 6.75 miles, up and back

Elevation 3,326’ (~1000’ per mile)

Steepest grade 58%

Class 1/Class 2

Hardly any pics. Honestly, I was too worried about going down to care about photos. But the view was magnificent!

Saviez-vous que les marmottes ne sont pas uniquement renommées pour leur habileté à hiberner, mais aussi pour leur communication complexe entre elles ? Ici, ces marmottes alpines semblent échanger plus qu'un simple geste, dans un moment rare et tendre capturé à l'état sauvage. Quelles routines sériez-vous prêts à adopter pour prendre soin de ce qu'on aime en nature ?

Did you know that marmots are not only well-known for their hibernation skills but for their intricate communication with each other as well? Here, these Alpine marmots seem to share more than just a casual gesture, captured in a rare and tender wild moment. What routines would you be willing to adopt to care for nature's loved ones?

EXIF:

NIKON Z f+NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S at 560mm

f/4, 1/2500s, ISO 1600

@nikonfr #nikonfr

Do social interactions similar to human affection increase survival chances in wild species like marmots?

#Marmots #EarthCapture #MammalPhotography #NaturePhotography #WildlifeLovers #AlpineAnimals #Conservation #EyeSpyNature #WildPlanet #NaturePerfection #AnimalBehavior #TelephotoLens #CaptureTheWild #HabitatProtection #AnimalFamily #NatureConservation #InstaNatureLover #PhotoOfTheDay # sensitivity 도 인물 사 adopliant 경사 ELFboatregex texas lobbyists OnTrigger #InstaWild #WildlifeSupremacy #NikonNoFilter #SPC Wildlife

🎁 Découvrez 10 astuces secrètes sur votre appareil Nikon/Canon : posenature.fr/ressources-gratuites/

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