Wildlife - Jeff Bernhard Photography

Posted on December 29, 2020December 29, 2020 by Jeff — Leave a comment

Bald Eagle on the Elk Refuge

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.

Posted on December 9, 2020December 9, 2020 by Jeff — Leave a comment

Bears at Dornan’s Spur Ranch Cabins

A sow black bear and her cub visit Dornan’s for lunch with a view.

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!

Posted on December 9, 2020December 9, 2020 by Jeff — Leave a comment

Bison in Grand Teton National Park

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!

Posted on November 9, 2018December 9, 2020 by Jeff — Leave a comment

Herd of Moose in Grand Teton National Park.

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.

Posted on February 3, 2016December 9, 2020 by Jeff — Leave a comment

Big Horn Sheep

Big Horn Sheep, unlike mountain goats, are native to the mountains of Grand Teton National Park. Female sheep, Ewes, also have horns although they are much smaller than a mature rams. I was luck enough to see these magnificent animals behind the National Elk Refuge at Miller Butte. I’ve seen sheep throughout the year, but early winter seems ideal as this coincides with mating season and the sheep seem to gather in the lowlands.