With some storm chasing friends in town this past weekend having a day to kill, I offered to take them up to Rocky Mountain National Park for a tour. It was a gorgeous day although Trail Ridge Road was closed to the top until just after we decided to leave. We did make it as far as Rainbow Curve where there is a gorgeous view at an elevation of 10,800 feet overlooking the east side of the park.
The most active wildlife up there were the Least Chipmunks – there were easily a dozen or more of them scurrying around. It quickly became apparent these little guys are professional beggars, coming right up to tourists, pausing at each one looking for a handout. Sometimes visitors would oblige them and the chipmunks were quick to devour the treat.
Least Chipmunks are the smallest chipmunk only reaching lengths of 6 to 10 inches and weighing 2 ounces or less. They are found across much of the western United States into Canada.
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