Regan Mertz

For NPR News, I'm Regan Mertz in Aspen, Colorado.

The damage caused by this operation has been staggering.

It's kind of hard for people to census ptarmigans because they live so remotely and in such rugged habitat.

Their plumage is pure white.

Last week's U.S.

Grand Prix was the final Olympic qualifying event in America before the Winter Olympic Games next month.

Oregon halfpipe skier Hunter Hess came in second in the men's free ski halfpipe finals, which is what secured his place on the U.S.

team.

Colorado's own Jake Cantor placed first in the men's snowboard slope-style competition, which also punched his ticket to the Olympic team.

Another one of Colorado's own, Svea Irving, was also announced on Saturday to be on the women's halfpipe free ski team.

This will be all three athletes' first time competing in the Olympics.

The full list of qualifying athletes has not yet been finalized.

For NPR News, I'm Regan Mertz in Aspen, Colorado.