The mountains are alive with an incredible variety of wildlife. From the majestic ibex standing watch over mountain passes to the agile chamois gracefully navigating the ridges, and the discreet ptarmigan perfectly blending into its surroundings, Isère offers a harmonious sanctuary for countless animal species. It is also a breathtaking experience for those who take the time to look.
Each species thrives in this unique environment, contributing to the delicate balance of the mountain’s ecosystem. Discover the remarkable ways these animals have adapted to their wild, alpine home.
Tread lightly, stay attentive and embrace the wonder of your mountain walks – you’re never far from these extraordinary creatures.
The regal ibex
The Alpine ibex is a master climber and the emblem of our mountains. Majestic and proud, they roam in herds at high altitudes between 1,600 and 2,300 metres.
Admire them from the ridges, where they act as keen observers, often watching visitors from afar and ready to protect their herd members, including the young.
As vegetarians, ibexes feed primarily on lichens, grasses and a variety of plants. During the harsh winter months, they rely heavily on their fat reserves to endure and survive the cold.
Also known as the snow partridge in French, the ptarmigan is a clever but shy bird. It often takes refuge in rocky areas, near the crags, at altitudes of between 2,200 and 2,500 metres. To perfect its camouflage, the ptarmigan adapts the colour of its plumage to the changing seasons.
In winter, for example, it becomes entirely white, so it can blend into the snow and go unnoticed.
With feathers on its feet, it walks effortlessly over the snow, using them as snowshoes. Its name, which literally means ‘hare’s paw’, reflects this unique adaptation.
Marmots are highly sociable animals, living together in family colonies. In early summer, you’ll often spot them standing upright on their hind legs, scanning their surroundings or lounging on sun-warmed rocks.
While marmots are naturally curious and not particularly shy, it’s important to keep your distance and never feed them—observing them respectfully helps preserve their natural behaviour.
If you don’t see them, listen carefully for the high-pitched whistles they use to warn their colony of approaching threats.
As soon as the first snow falls and the cold weather sets in, the marmot retreats to hibernate for over five months in a carefully prepared burrow. Throughout the summer, the marmot works to dig this burrow deep below the freezing level, protecting itself from the harsh winter. To stay safe from predators, the burrow’s entrance is cleverly concealed with stones or roots.
Throughout the year, the chamois seeks the shelter of the forest. While they prefer to avoid heavy snow, in winter, they remain in the mountains but move closer to the forest edges at altitudes between 800 and 2,500 metres to find shelter and food.
In summer, it’s not uncommon to see them gracefully navigating the ridges or tumbling down the steepest rocky slopes.
Highly sensitive to disturbance, it’s essential to keep your distance and avoid approaching them.
The black grouse, also known as the mountain cock, is a highly elusive mountain bird and one of the species most sensitive to disturbance.
In winter, it survives by digging igloos in the snow, where it spends most of its time, shielding itself from the cold and predators.
It retreats to the north-facing slopes and cold valleys of the mountains, typically found at the edge of the last trees between 1,400 and 1,800 metres.
Each day, it emerges for just 1 to 2 hours, usually at dawn and dusk, to forage for food.
The black grouse is a rare sight, but its distinctive features – an immaculate black coat, a small red crest and lyre-shaped tail feathers – make it instantly recognisable.
