I’ve been hearing reports as of late that the herd of moose on the eastern edge of Grand Teton National Park has been putting on a show, so I headed out to see for myself. It did not disappoint! I found some bulls locking antlers, some bulls that had already dropped their antlers, and some cows laying down taking in the warm sun on this unseasonably warm January day.
I definitely ended 2020 on a good note, watching the sunset being the Tetons with grizzly bear 399 and her four cubs.
I’ve felt like I was missing out lately as she was sighted around @grandtetonnps while I was busy working, but today made up for it and more! I’m surprised she’s still not hibernating, it must be difficult to get the kids to bed! Hopefully she gets some much needed rest and crossing my fingers for more opportunities to see this beautiful bruin family in 2021.
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I saw this beautiful bald eagle today on the fence that forms the western boundary of the National Elk Refuge in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. This eagle seems large, but actually it was quite a bit smaller than a couple other eagles that were feeding on an apparent carcass. I say apparent because I never actually saw the carcass, it was hidden just out of view behind the fence . It seemed like this eagle was just waiting its turn for a bite. I’m sure it’s a nice bird once you get to know it, but I would describe it as having resting bitch face.
I was excited but pretty skeptical because I have never seen the aurora borealis and I wasn’t sure what to expect. I first headed out to the Snake River in Grand Teton National Park. Western Wyoming is currently experiencing some high pressure, resulting in inverted temperatures and cold, clear nights. The temperature was about 0 degrees Fahrenheit this night, and consequently there was a lot of steam coming off the Snake River, impairing my view of the aurora borealis. That’s when I decided to head out to my buddies grandpa’s barn. There was no fog this far off the river and I was surprised at the sky to say the least! I had read on a CNN article that the sky may appear pink and sure enough. It looked like alpenglow but at 1am! Let me know what your favorite image ins in the comments below!
For more information on viewing the northern lights, see: https://www.wyomingstargazing.org/how-to-see-the-northern-lights-from-jackson-hole-wyoming/
It’s not unusual to see bears around Dornan’s in Grand Teton National Park. Luckily these bears did not attract a huge crowd as they munched on clovers. It’s important to remember that a fed bear is a dead bear. Don’t allow bears to receive human food or garbage!
We had just one day left before the park road closes for winter, perfect opportunity to get out to hidden falls for a icy adventure. Despite being the most popular tourist attraction in Grand Teton National Park, we had the whole place to ourselves!
When the harsh Wyoming winter descends into Jackson Hole, animals have three choices; hibernate, migrate, or tolerate. North American Bison stand their ground, despite deep snow and sub-zero temperatures. Such hearty animals!
C/2020 F3 or Comet NEOWISE above Grand Teton National Park. Photographed from Dornan’s in July 2020. Discovered in March 2020, the comet will be visible again in the year 8786.
According to Wikipedia “Unlike most other deer species, moose do not form herds and are solitary animals, aside from calves who remain with their mother until the cow begins estrus (typically at 18 months after birth of the calf), at which point the cow chases away young bulls. Although generally slow-moving and sedentary, moose can become aggressive and move quickly if angered or startled. Their mating season in the autumn features energetic fights between males competing for a female.”
Contrary to this, over the years I’ve learned that moose do gather in herds. The easiest place to view this is around Blacktail Butte in Grand Teton National Park. Fall and early winter are the prime viewing season. The moose group in far greater numbers, perhaps because of mating season. The bulls still have antlers too, they wont fall off until later this winter.
Sunset from the Snake River Overlook Photograph
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Fall Colors in Grand Teton National Park Photograph
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Fox in Grand Teton National Park Photograph
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Fox in Grand Teton National Park Photograph
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Teton Sunrise Reflection Photograph
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