A visit to Yellowstone isn't possible without seeing a lot of wildlife. This national park is home to so many animals, and for many of them it is a peaceful refuge where they are not hunted and killed for whatever reason (never mind that they were here first and this IS their habitat which we took away from them).
There is an abundance of bison - but of course it doesn't come close to the numbers when bison roamed freely this country. They are impressive animals, and while I love them, I always make sure to keep a very safe distance from them. They SEEM to be lazy and docile, but these are wild and dangerous animals. Everywhere in the park there are signs that warn people not to approach them (but of course there are too many humans who'd love to receive the Darwin award) and that you should use caution around them.
They are big and heavy, and at the same time they are incredibly cute. How can you resist such a sweet face?
Or this guy that we saw early in the morning in the Lamar Valley after we had seen the wolf pack.
What I love best, however, is watching a bison taking a dust bath. They do it with gusto!
Yellowstone is famous for its bears, both grizzlies and black bears. We saw both. This black bear checked out the area next to the road in the Lamar Valley (and again, some people were way too close).
Elk can be found all over the park - the population is huge, and it's good that there are several wolf packs in the park that keep the numbers limited. Often wolves and bears share the carcass of an animal. Nothing goes to waste here.
You find signs of the wildlife everywhere if you keep your eyes open.
elk
black bear
bison
Seeing wildlife makes me happy and is always an absolute highlight for me. So often we only see the "big" wildlife, but it was this little guy that gave me the biggest delight - a curious weasel we saw on one of our hikes through the beautiful meadows of Yellowstone. Isn't s/he adorable?
Long may the critters, big and small live in safety. How I would love to see them. And thank you (so much) for sharing the joy and the magic.
ReplyDeleteGreat wildlife photos. You got some nice photos of them all but I am really impressed with the buffalo.
ReplyDeleteYour Yellowstone trip yielded such rich beauty. I am in awe of these magnificent creatures!
ReplyDeleteI loved all your photos, especially the of the bison dust-bathing. I've never thought of bison as "cute," though! Now, that little weasel face - that is cute! :-)
ReplyDeleteWow, the Bison is huge! I actually read about the Bison a few years ago, and there aren't too many left, are there? The Elk is spectacular. It's hard to imagine one hunting for them. Your pictures always make my heart sing. They are filled with wonder and beauty, Carola.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
Wow! What an incredible visit you had... great photographs Carola.
ReplyDeleteI love that cutie face of the weasel too. Cheers, Sue xx
Amazing! Truly amazing!! Love the dust bath! LOL! I love the weasel saying hello! Such a wonderful post! Thank you! Big Hugs!
ReplyDeleteLove the dusty picture of the bison.
ReplyDeleteGreat pix of Yellowstone. In spite of growing up in Tennessee and now living in Virginia, most of my vacation trips have been to the Yellowstone region. I have been there maybe 7 or 8 times. Each time it is a thrill to see nature up close like that. You have some wonderful shots of wild life.
ReplyDeleteFantastic photos Carola! We have been to Yellowstone many times and yet have never seen a bear. Other wildlife of course, the bison and elk. Magnificent animals and yes, people get way too close. The Park Rangers have their work cut out for them. I am enjoying your posts very much, thank you.
ReplyDelete