Wildlife in Wyoming
Wildlife in Wyoming
It was a fast trip, but our drive to Wyoming was awesome. Where we had to go was quite snowy and cold, but so beautiful. The best part of the whole trip was seeing a bunch of wildlife again. I have missed that part of being on Wyoming. Everywhere you turn there, it seems there is something looking back at you. While driving, we saw lots of eagles, hawks, and ravens. And tons of deer. As I mentioned before, the ranch where we took the furniture is a buffalo ranch. The owner also has a small herd of the very rare white buffalo. The last time we were there, the herd was tiny, about 5 animals. Now it is a little bit bigger, probably about 12 to 15 of these unique and beautiful animals.
The Lakota revere the white buffalo, and see it as a sign of abundance, and good things to come. The white buffalo calf woman came to the Lakota long ago and taught them about the earth and all they needed to know to survive. You can read more here.
For me, being able to see, and photograph these beautiful animals was amazing. I know this tiny herd is being bred for this trait, but they are still awesome.
As you can see, the snow was deep, and still falling that morning.
After I took photos of the buffalo (bison really), I wanted to take photos of the horses.
These aren’t just any horse, they are Percheron’s, and they are big and beautiful. You have to reach quite high to scratch their nose.
I fell in love with these two, aren’t they adorable?
I couldn’t resist this photo, can you see us in the eye of the horse?
This is just a photo to show how much snow there was. This is the snow curling off the roof. Pretty cool. During the night we heard foxes right outside the window. Of course the dogs heard them too and were growling low and barking. We got up and looked out the window, and there they were. I think they heard Roxy and Torrey and came to investigate.
We decided to stop in Jackson Hole on our way back. We needed a good lunch, and that was the best place to find good food. Plus, I wanted to see if the elk refuge had any elk yet. There were several hundred there, but mostly cows. I saw some big bulls but not like it will get later this month.
Flat creek runs through the refuge and has a large open body of water that doesn’t freeze over. There are a lot of trumpeter swans there.
These two were obviously a mated pair.
And check out these teenagers, still hanging out with mom and dad.
We drove through the Snake river canyon and came upon about 20 mountain goats just off the road. These guys are FLUFFY. No worry about cold with their long hair.
We never get to see mountain goats in the summer because they are so high and remote.
Check out this little guy, he was so cute!
The three amigos.
Today we are leaving for the desert. We are going to St. George for a few days to spend time with out great friends, Mike and Shannon. Then we will go to Arizona.
From deep snow, to warm sun.
Wonderful series of images, the critters are all beautiful. Have a happy weekend!
Loved seeing those and my it looked cold. Loved the mountain goats. Have a fabulous Friday.
Best wishes Molly
What a great collection of memories…love them all!!!..:)JP
Great animal pics!
(Our person is smiling at the idea that there is “lots” of snow there. But lots is a relative term and compared to Arizona, there is lots!)
Love the buffalo and the three amigos. Gorgeous animals.
Wow wow wow. I don’t know what’s more beautiful, the animals or the pictures of the animals. Every time I try to take a picture of my dog or cat, they look away at the last second. I don’t know how you do it!
Oh my goodness, what a winter paradise! Every picture is stunning. Did the pups enjoy the snow or was it too deep for them?
Such an amazing place! Loved the pictures of all the wildlife. Love Dolly
Thank you so much for sharing your lovely photos. It’s the best way for thousands of us to enjoy these beautiful animals without overrunning their lives.
Boy those critters are beautiful and look comfortable in their element and season. Your subjects seem very happy to have their photos taken. Good traveling! Happy travels!
Enjoyed this photos a lot as I have friends who spend a part of their summers working on the Lakota reservation.
just gorgeous all the way through! thanks for sharing these beauties!
I love this post, it’s great that you got to see all that wildlife… I’m a little jealous!
What very beautiful country and creatures who are so at home in it.
Absolutely gorgeous photos! It’s wonderful to follow along with you as you make your way to Arizona.
I think it was so fortuitous that you had to deliver the furniture there…the buffalo and horses are beautiful, and then to see all that wildlife as well! You got some really great photos too.
Lucky you, getting out of the snow pretty soon! :)
These are AMAZING!! The horse one is one of my faves and the bison
Good glory, Mary….I am crying here. There is nothing like nature to bring me closer to my soul. Where do I begin? Those white bison are magical. I have always been intrigued by white animals and all the pets I’ve ever had where white. The little baby is soooooo darling.
THEN….the horses. OK, this is my favorite animal of all time. All time.
That Percheron is fantastic. They are gentle giants, no? I’d have to get on a ladder to pet his head. teeeehee
Then there are the mottled horses. I adore these, and they almost have a “smile” on their muzzles that enchants me. I must remember however, to approach a horse with calm and cool, and pet allow them to trust me first. I just want to rush into their faces and squeeze them! teeehee
I love how you capture nature. Have you ever submitted your photos to a nature magazine? YOU SHOULD! And to see you in the horse’s eye, that is awesome.
Thank you so much for coming to my post. As much as I love the grandeur of the City of Lights, my heart belongs to nature. Anita
Anita, I always love when you visit my blog. You are always so kind. The horses where fabulous, and those two gray percherons stole the show for me. These horses are all raised in such a way that they love people, and are so nice. I have never submitted my photos, maybe some day I will.
Mary! Good morning! I am barely coming to my email; I had a magical day with my husband out in the snow and in the city.
Mary, those horses, just like children, non? When they are raised in a kind manner to trust, they give back kindness! This summer, I went to our huge and very wonderful State Fair here in St. Paul. I was fortunate to “meet” two draft horses from the Minnesota Zoo. They were so huge and loving. Then I bonded with another fellow names Skeeter. I petted him for about an hour, and he lowered his head and got close, just wanting more. WOW, to feel the trust and need for love from a huge beast like that…it changes you!
And…I think you should try submitting your photos to a nature magazine. The way you are able to capture the animals in motion with no blurriness (That would be me), is an art. You capture the emotion and moment and really, you should try, just for fun!
Enjoy your Sunday, Mary! Thanks again for the kind words! Anita
I especially love the bison shots! Super!
Beautiful images of so many great animals. Enjoy your trip down into the south!
Nice post – I’d love to see the buffalo. Such and icon.
Cheers – Stewart M – Melbourne
Everywhere you go and you turn, you watch you are being watched.
Those are amazing pictures. Love the horses in paticular:-)
Absolutely amazing photos! I love those buffaloes and the mountain goats. I’ve seen them a few times high in the CO mountains but never so close. Wow!
God I envy you Mary. Such incredible beauty, and you get to see it nearly every single day. Your photography is incredible. You captured the buffalo perfectly. I love the snow shot (who knew it curled down like that?) and the horses. The two together was so cute.
Thank you for your card by the way. It was gorgeous. I sure hope we can meet up someday. You are such an amazing person.