YELLOWSTONE'S WILD WORLD

Lamar Valley was one big wolf jam this morning and a few friendly bison bulls decided to join in on the fun.  This one had an itch it needed to scratch and so was headed to a post, where a man was standing.  Always entertaining when you have these guys around.

It was a beautiful morning and there was no need for heavy jackets, hats and gloves.  I slipped on a sweater and was soon too warm and wearing only a short sleeved t-shit.  I believe the high of the day was around 71, before the bottom fell out and rain dumped.  Heavy winds, lightening, thunder and trees falling.  Just never know what is going to happen out there.

There was a beautiful young grizzly near the road in Lamar this morning but I just did not have enough light for good shots.  She was pretty though.

Onward to a big wolf jam where I expected the Lamar Canyons and got the Junction Buttes – 911, 969 and the grey yearling.  A bison cow was dying due to complications of childbirth and the wolves were helping her go.  The cow had no fight left, she was done, and so there was no big bad wolf – just helping the natural order of things move along.  The kill was done quickly – something that would never happen with a healthy bison – and the wolves and birds began feasting.

Meanwhile, some bison bulls were keeping us company on the road.

I went looking for the Lamar Canyons and found some injured elk but no wolves.  Turns out that I barely missed them crossing to get their own newborn bison calf.  Yesterday was elk calves and today bison calves.

When I returned to Hitching Post, after watching the JB’s, the crowd and the bison, I saw Twin, a yearling and 926.  They had taken a newborn bison calf and mom was not happy.  926 was getting the calf all to herself.  Rick was thinking that I should open a restaurant in Gardiner where guys eat last.

The yearling went to help 926 eat some and got pounced on by mom.  After a moment of submission she sidled up to her mom and the two laid down in the grass to eat.  After awhile the yearling and Twin went on an excursion across the middle flats.  926 returned to the den with some goodies for the pups – or was it for the others?  After awhile Twin and the yearling returned, with Twin following another Lamar female (they must all be strong girls) but instead of going to the den they went up on a hill and out of sight.

I went exploring some – taking a hike up at Washburn.  And then a few naps through out the day.  A sort of warm lazy day.

And then heard that Rosie was out and so went to see them, arriving just in time for a ranger to go through and make everyone move to the other side of the road.  Which is impossible for photography because of the cars going by.  But, I found a place to park and wait for the bears to come my way.  Salivating about the wonderful close shots I was finally going to get of the cubs.  And, the bottom fell out of the sky just as they arrived so no shots.  I had to just sit there and watch the cubs get all cute, running up and down trees.

It was time to go home!