YELLOWSTONE'S WILD WORLD

Today was the first day since 925M was attacked and killed by the Prospect Peak pack, that has been somewhat calm and subdued.

It is difficult to believe that the rock of the Lamar Canyon pack is gone forever – it is hard to understand why this pack has had so many hardships.  Maybe it is just because they are watched closer than others and so we are more aware of what they endure.  The Junction Buttes have certainly had more than their share of hardships as well and the other packs aren’t monitored closely enough to know.  If you are not up to date on all of the stories about the alpha male being killed, please visit my Facebook photography page for the details.  I made these stories for free, so everyone would know what was going on.  https://www.facebook.com/debydixonphotography

Other than all of the wolf drama, nothing much at all has been going on in the park.  Very few photo ops at all.  The weather, until today, had been bright blue skies and terrible light. But, truthfully, I didn’t see a fox, coyote, snake, rat – anything but a goose and a wolf dot.  Well, the bison have been kicking up their heels and enjoying the warm weather.  The females don’t look as large as they should at this time.  But, then, maybe it is just that the warm weather makes it feel later in the year.  Much of the snow is gone now so we really didn’t have a winter, which took away a lot of the great photo ops.

Today, I did find a coyote mousing at Phantom Lake and a fox at Floating Island Lake, which was too far away for photos.  But, still, that was the first fox I have seen there.  Also had a bison bull run down a hill and into the road in front of me and then kick up his heels and snort.  Speaking of bison, I saw them hazing a handful back into the park this afternoon, using 4 wheelers.  I hate that they were hazing them as I am sure they weren’t hurting a thing, but it was amusing to see the horses in the pasture take it upon themselves to help herd the bison out of their space.  And, good to see the Buffalo Field Campaign keeping an eye on everything.

We saw a few of the Lamar Canyons in Slough, way up high, sleeping beneath 3 bull elk that were afraid to move.  I was told the Canyons were still in Mammoth but saw no evidence of that.  The  Prospects and Junctions were out of sight

There was a bit of a flurry when a report came in that there were wolves on a carcass on the Blacktail.  But, I think that report was confused because they were on a carcass in China Gardens early this morning.  It was the JB yearling male and some dispersed 8 Mile pups that have formed their own group.  Hope he found a breeding female in there – but it sure was good to hear that he is still around.  Guess he still limps so probably always will.

The rangers removed the carcass so our only chance at having any photo ops was taken away.  No entertainment of nature experiences in Yellowstone any more!  Some of the rangers forget why the park is here and that they are supposed to be helping us enjoy and learn.  Frustration for us and the wolves that lost their food.

Well, other than all of that, I saw some pronghorn at Hell Roaring yesterday, which means they will soon be showing up in Lamar Valley.  These, in the photo above, were out on the Boundary road and looking good.

Still haven’t seen a bluebird but there was a swan at Slough.

In the future, my updates on The Yellowstone Daily, will focus on the events of the day.  While, from time to time I will also include wildlife stories.  Anyone who would like to contribute to the Daily, with their own sightings while in the park, can email me at [email protected].  Would love to have your input and help.  Thank you!