Wildlife to watch this summer

This magnificent natural environment is full of life. Find a small selection of the animals that inhabit our Vercors mountains and discover some info about them.
💡 We even reveal a few places to spot them in Villard de Lans and Corrençon.

Published on 3 May 2022

The plump mountain girl

The most emblematic (if not the cutest) of our mountain animals is the marmot. Most of the time, you’ll hear the groundhog before you see it, thanks to its whistling 🎶. With its good cheeks, slightly wobbly gait and fluffy tail, the groundhog is easily recognizable! Open your ears wide and keep an eye out for fur balls running through the scree slopes.

Size and weight
Around 70 cm – 3 kg to 7-8 kg during hibernation.
What does the groundhog eat?
Buds, flowers, fruit and seeds are the marmot’s main diet. A few insects may also complete the meal. Be careful not to give them your picnic leftovers or any other delicacies!
Where can you see marmots?
To catch a glimpse of these cuddly animals, head for Col Vert, Col de l’arc, sentier Peronnard or Pas de l’Oeille,

Did you know?

Marmots hibernate for 6 months of the year (from October to March)!

The snow hen

If you’ve got a 4-leaf clover, now’s a good time to take it out, because you’ve got to be pretty lucky to come across a black grouse. 🍀 The disturbances associated with our exploitation of the mountains have drastically reduced the population of this mountain animal. This pretty little snow hen digs a tunnel for shelter during the winter, which makes meeting it even less easy. At the edge of the slopes, you’ll regularly come across no-passing signs, as these are places to protect them. Please respect them.

Size and weight
From 49 to 52 cm and between 0.9 and 1.3kg
What does a black grouse eat?
Like the marmot, the black grouse is a vegetarian. It feeds mainly on seeds, flowers and buds.
Where can you see black grouse?
There are a few black grouse in our mountains, but we can’t recommend any particular spot to catch a glimpse. What’s more, if you want to leave them alone, you’ll have to play your luck against yours.

Did you know?

The males do their most beautiful and quite spectacular nuptial dance to seduce the females! 🕺

The acrobat of the summits

By remaining discreet and attentive to its surroundings, the ibex is less shy. Recognizable by their large horns and often found in groups, they are easy to spot from a distance. You can set out on a hike with the aim of coming across a few and not see one, and go on another outing and come face to face with these impressive animals. 🐐

Size and weight
From 1m20 to 1m70 long – From 35 to 150kg
What does the ibex eat?
The ibex is a herbivore. It feeds on herbaceous plants, grasses, young shoots and buds.
Where can you see ibex on our territory?
Meet them at Col Vert, Pas de l’Oeille and Tête des Chaudières.

Did you know?

In the 19th century, the ibex almost became extinct, but thanks to the creation of various national parks and its reintegration into its natural environment, its presence is now assured.

The little mountain goat

Smaller than the ibex, the chamois can be distinguished by its small black horns and dark stripes running from snout to ears. More shy, it’s harder to spot. Stay at a safe distance to enjoy its presence. Extremely agile and fast, the chamois moves along rock faces with ease!

Size and weight
From 1m20 to 1m30 long – From 24 to 50kg
What does the chamois eat?
Chamois also eat grass, flowers, lichen, moss and twigs.
Where can you see chamois?
Less numerous in our mountains, you can see them from a distance from the Sentier Gobert. Keep an eye on the scree slopes and listen out for the sound of falling rocks 😉

Did you know?

The chamois is capable of jumps over 2m high and 6m long, and of top speeds of over 50km/h.

The 5 golden rules

1 – STAY ON THE TRAILS
Not going off-piste helps preserve quiet zones for mountain animals
mountain animals, limit the impact on flora and soil erosion.

2 – RESPECT BREEDING SITES
DURING SENSITIVE PERIODS
By assessing the vulnerability of animals according to their needs (rutting, calving,
resting areas) and weather conditions (snow depth, temperature)
(snow depth, temperature) using the Winter Wildlife Disturbance Scale.
disturbance scale.

3 – DON’T APPROACH
When we see an animal, give it time to run away quietly and don’t
and don’t try to get closer. This is
when it’s a female with one or more young.

4 – BE DISCREET…
Let’s avoid making too much noise, and be vigilant and observant,
we can often avoid disturbing an animal simply by spotting it in the distance.
animal in the distance.

5 – BE VIGILANT WITH DOGS
Dogs are perceived as predators of wild fauna.
for wildlife, and can cause nest abandonment or
or young birds. Let’s avoid going out with a dog during
sensitive period, or keep them on a leash.

The plump mountain girl

The plump mountain girl

The snow hen

The acrobat of the summits

The little mountain goat

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