There is a bison carcass near Cascade Creek in Canyon, lying 212 yards from the road, right behind a tall, thin stick. Rumor has it that the bison was struck by a vehicle and then wandered to its current location to die. I also heard that the vehicle died along with the bison.
Here you see Judy, with her big fancy video camera, waiting for action on the carcass.
Most people want to see grizzly bears come to the carcass but my hope was for the Canyon wolves and for that show I was willing to wake up at 3:30 a.m., leave by 4:15 and arrive at the carcass by 5:30, seconds after the grizzly left the area until 5 hours later.
I chose my spot and set up and waited. Before leaving the trailer that morning I packed breakfast, lunch and dinner, knowing that it could be a long day on the roadside in the hot sun.
Luckily it was not terribly hot but the sun was bright and the lighting not good for photos. People came and went and each time we urged them to go one and go so the bear would come. Finally, Connie and Jeff left and the grizzly, a big guy with yellow ear tags, came in for 8 minutes. First he looked at us and then dove inside of the hole in the bison to withdraw what was inside – no doubt the stomach and intestines. He grabbed a big chunk of something and ran into the forest.
I leaned my chair back and took a long nap, with cars buzzing past my head and people talking all about me. A jacket was over my face and luckily a breeze kept me cool. And, then I waited and waited, until 5:45, 12 hours and 15 minutes after I arrived, and left. Judy just emailed me at 6:40 p.m. to let me know that the bear came out for five minutes, grabbed another chunk and left.
It was a great day of hanging out with people and just being still. Not so great for the photo and video library but that is the chance I take every day. Lots of gas, lots of time waiting and watching and 8 minutes of photos and video. Still, it was an enjoyable day because I love what I do.
And now I am at my favorite internet pullout, with a long drive a head of me so will bid goodnight and head out to my very quiet campsite. Last night it was too quiet and I could not sleep – bet tonight will be a whole lot different.
Wish that I could bottle the fragrance of the wildflowers and show you all the immense beauty they have brought to Yellowstone. Spectacular best describes what I have been seeing every day.
You sneaky devil you! I never saw you with a camera pointed in my direction. We left after the bear came (he was already on the carcass before anyone saw him) and went and made it all the way to Swan Lake Flats before I realized my tripod was still at the bison carcass. It took us over an hour to get back but Simon and Nate were looking after it. I still haven’t calmed down.
Absolutely gorgeous wildflower photo. The layers of colors, sticky geraniums, lupine?, are beautiful.
Deby, That is a long day. People don’t realize how many hours it takes to get a great photo or film footage. The 30 – 45minute animal shows on T.V. take days, months or years to film. Dedication and patience is definitely needed. The beauty and aroma of the flowers must be worth it though. Sounds like a relaxing stress free day.
Always a pleasure to read of your adventures, Deby…..thanks for taking us along for the ride….visually and in writing!