As biologists in Utah, we naturally envision the wildlife species typically seen or known to reside in the unique topography and elevation of Little Cottonwood Canyon. With this vision in mind, the Rocky Mountain Elk and the American Pika were chosen to be highlighted on the 2010 TWS Annual Conference logo. 

Certainly the elk is one of the most recognized western big game species especially since they frequently conflict with human activities throughout the seasons. Whereas the pika may be one of the least known or observed species because of their high elevation rocky habitat, but are considered by some to be an indicator species potentially affected by climate change.

One similarity is that they are both very vocal species, and during the conference you may be fortunate enough to see them and/or hear their calls while adventuring at this spectacular conference location in Little Cottonwood Canyon.