From the far north rugged peaks and passes of the Rockies south to the nature-sculpted rocks of northern New Mexico, a great wealth of biological diversity is evidenced by the wildlife that makes its home in these wild and remote lands.

While human activities have seriously encroached on these areas with the spread of recreational facilities, residential development, and road building, all of which threaten the original landscape, a combination of Mother Nature’s tenacity and mankind’s conservation efforts have been rewarded with increasing wildlife populations, particularly of mammals. From raccoons to wolverines, these animals are slowly returning to their origins, and they are thriving.

As I traveled among the Rockies’ beautiful mountains and valleys I was amazed by the remarkable variety and abundance of wildlife as I realized that this region’s offerings were as exceptional as any I’d experienced.