A Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep grazing in the Rio Grande Gorge in NM. These guys were reintroduced to the region around 10 years ago and seem to be doing very well. We were surprised to observe several on recent hike in that area including one youngster grazing along with their Mom.
Out on a hike amongst the fully blooming rabbit and sage brush we noticed numerous holes along the trail. Were they Marmot or perhaps Badger. Finally near the end of the hike the question was answered when we spotted this Badger off in the distance.
It was nice to see this Badger out foraging.
Badgers dig after and feed on ground squirrels and pocket gophers, and also eat toads, frogs, birds, snakes, insects and insect grubs, wasps, bees, and worms. They sleep through most of the winter in a den, spending about 29 hours at a time in a state of torpor, rousing briefly, and then sleeping again. In torpor, which is not true hibernation, the Badger’s heartbeat slows to about half the normal rate and its temperature drops.
Even with this great camouflage the Badger is at risk mostly from human activities such as habitat loss as well as hunting and trapping.
Enjoy your winter Mr. badger and we will see you after your Torpor.
While driving an old road in an area where recent fires scorched much of the forest we happened upon a stand of wonderful old Ponderosa Pines still standing tall with wonderful fall colors below and showing off that wonderful orangish bark that only wise old Ponderosas have.
Trees are amazing creatures….truly amazing.
A white Tailed Doe peeking in and saying hello on a Monday morning.
Have a great week.
http://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-018-07183-6
The article above shows that 70% of the remaining wild lands in the world are contained in just five countries. Those of us who live in any of those five countries need to take action in any way we can to help protect those remaining wild lands. Life depends on it.
The Center for Large Landscape Conservation, the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative, Wildlands Network, and the Half Earth Project are just a handful of organizations working to preserve what is left of the wonderful planet. Please consider supporting any organizaiton you find in your country that is working to support conservation of wildlands.
Usually Prairie Dogs are busy scurrying about from hole to hole feeding and digging. This guy seemed to just be carefree and chillin’ on his front porch on a late summer afternoon and enjoying the warm sun and expansive prairie view. He does look well fed and ready for the upcoming winter. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge.
A little inspiration provided by a silent yet strong tree growing in the barren dry hills of western Colorado near the Utah border. When the going gets tough the tough keep growing.
A black bear surveys the surroundings with both nose and eyes while foraging on an autumn afternoon.
Sometimes abrupt and sometimes gradual, change is something we can count on, and it sure is good to have something we can count on.
A White tailed Doe making her way through the golden fall grasses. She does indeed look at home on the range.
nature has no boss 
You must be logged in to post a comment.