It is the dog days of summer and temps have been in the low 80’s with high humidity and late afternoon or evening storms of rain, wind, thunder and lightning. Nights have been down right cold, ranging from the low to high 30’s. The busy season in Yellowstone has barely begun and is already winding down as children prepare to return to school and adults know that wildlife sightings begin to dwindle.
Except that five grizzlies and Scarface (just telling it like it was told to me) were seen in the Washburn/Antelope area this morning. And there are suddenly 5 wolf puppies with two adults and some yearlings to watch at about a mile or more away. Everyone wants to see wolf puppies and the crowds are arriving at Slough Creek early every morning and every evening.
An old bison bull passed on a few days ago and the best kept secret in the park, for a few days anyway, was the carcass, the bears that were feeding on it and the return of the wolves to Slough Creek. The person who pulled this off accomplished quite a feat but they had some help from tour guides who also decided to keep the wolves to themselves.
We have seen the alpha female, 870, go to the carcass a couple of times now, despite there not being much left, but the alpha male, 890, is super shy and has kept his distance. We also saw 870 return to the pups this morning and regurgitate for them. Pretty super behavioral viewing and it is always awesome to watch puppies run to greet mom.
My own views were limited because I chose to try for some photos of the wolves coming or going at the carcass but other than out across the creek, a long ways, I did not see 870 arrive or depart. I could have if I had chosen a different spot but did not want to risk keeping her from food. Just kind of figured that maybe I would get lucky and maybe not.
I did have a private viewing of Betsy and the kids – the Slough Creek black bear sow and her two cinnamon cubs, which, by the way, are looking great. I leaned back in my car seat and pretended to be sleeping when folks pulled up behind and watched the bears through the binoculars. I decided that they were having such a peaceful afternoon eating berries that it was best to leave things that way.
So, wolves, grizzlies, black bears and all of the others, along with about 3000 bison on the northern range. The bison rut is in full swing and there are groaning, slobbering hunks of hormonal flesh everywhere. Bulls can be heard from all over the landscape and some sound as if they are in agony. They remind me of teenage boys who are going to die if they don’t get some soon!
The bulls are unpredictable at any time of year but right now anything can set them off and so it is best to keep a distance. A good distance. You could not pay me to ride a bicycle or motorbike in the park right now. Or to put the lid down on a convertible. These big nasty boys command respect and they should be given their space. I have heard reports of people walking right out to the bulls, within a few feet, down in Hayden – it will be a miracle if no one gets hurt.
And, we should not forget about the bewildered calves.
Other than that there is still no word on the Lamars, except that there were no signals this morning and faint ones this evening. I am sitting here at Foot Bridge, in hopes that they will come running home. I try my best to stay optimistic about the pups and feel positive that some, if not all, are still alive. But, we would like to see them. At the same time, I would like for them to not have to deal with big crowds watching them every day and if the pups were sighted again that is what would happen. And, so, it is probably best this way and may give the pups their best chance for survival.
I am still camping, with the sound of the rushing creek lulling me to sleep each night. The mornings have been cold and I have had to turn on the heat for a minute or two. I have still never really spent time in the campsite, with a fire and a book, lounging in my chair and probably will not. The days are somewhat shorter and more bearable, particularly with clouds coming in in the afternoons and cooling things off some. The lack of AC has been a royal pain but the days are going by without too much trauma. The crowds have been just wonderful – exceptionally polite and respectful to the park and the wildlife. What a change from early season! I mostly work my days so that I can avoid the traffic jams and am finding it necessary to spend shorter periods of time around the crowds. And, my ankle is doing better, allowing me to hike more once again, but my injured hand is in terrible pain and my fingers are cramping up. I assume some hiking will loosen muscles and make that hand and arm feel much better. Oh, and I have spent a little time reading, which really felt so good and natural. It used to be me with a book in my hands all of the time but any more my eyes are so tired I can barely see or keep them open.
Well, I am going to give up on the Lamars and head towards camp, stopping to post this along the way. The mosquitos just came out and got pesky and so it is time to drive!
So much detail on the big guys; didn’t know they were so compact in their massiveness. Love the descriptions!
Deby I love your bison photos! You have such great detail in them! Most people don’t realize how hard they are to photograph as they are so dark and contrasty.
Great photos of the “bad boys” Deby. We ‘re having dog days here too, so I know what you mean about heat and humidity. Try to stay cool and take care of your ankle.