The term 'Rockies Ruminant' is a combination of two crossword solutions: ELK (3 letters). The Rocky Mountains are home to a variety of wildlife, including ELK, which are large hoofed mammals belonging to the family Cervidae. ELK are also known as wapiti, which is derived from the Shawnee and Cree words for 'white rump'. They are an important part of the ecosystem in the Rocky Mountains, and are a popular game animal for hunters.