Fall into Winter
As the leaves begin to fall, the animals begin to move. Some not very far - others hundreds of miles - in search of warmer grounds and more plentiful food. Someplace high in these beautiful mountains that surround us, you find the rulers of the forest. One of the best parts of SUV ownership is being able to actually see these beautiful creatures in person - at a safe distance. We hope you enjoy these stunning photographs of the animals that we call "neighbor".
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The American Bald Eagle
Utah's Division of Wildlife Resources hosts their annual state-wide Bald Eagle Day every year. Admission is free. The annual "Bald Eagle Day" gives interested people a chance to view Bald Eagles and learn about them at specified sites throughout Utah.
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The Elk
For some, like the mighty Elk, it is a struggle between the past and the present. Man has invaded many of their natural migration lanes. However, as a society, we are making great strides to re-establish this mighty animal back to its once "graceful" position as the monarch of the forest. Just to our north in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, you will find the National Elk Refuge.
* The Jackson elk herd was used as a nucleus herd to replenish other elk herds and elk re-introductions across the country.
* The migration of the Jackson Hole Elk is the longest herd migration of elk in lower U.S.
*It is the world's largest wintering concentration of elk with national and international significance. |
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Black Bears
Black bears don’t always live up to their name; their color can vary from white to black and every shade of brown. Although they’re carnivores, meat makes up less than 10 percent of a typical black bear’s diet, and much of that is from scavenged carcasses and insects; the rest of its diet is typically nuts, berries, grasses and other plants. Black bears are not true hibernators. In colder climates, black bears sleep in dens through much of the winter because of a decreased food supply, but those that live in warm climates skip the winter napping. Black bears live 25 years or more in the wild. A typical female black bear weighs 120–250 pounds; a typical male is 180–300 pounds. The largest male on record weighed 880 pounds. Black bears are extremely adaptable, occupying a greater range of habitats than any bear in the world. In the US, they can be found in 41 states.
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The Pintail Duck
The Pintail seldom dives, and it never does so while feeding, but in searching in the water for its food immerses not only the head but a large portion of the body. It is an odd sight to see a flock thus tipped up and working their feet in the air, as if trying to stand upon their heads. They move about with a graceful motion of the head, and with tail partially erect, and upon the land step off with a dignity of carriage as if impressed with the thought that they are no common Duck. In flight they are very swift.
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Grey Wolf
Second only to humans in its adaptation to climate extremes, the gray wolf has been known to live in desert, forest, and frozen arctic ecosystems. Until recently, the wolf was considered a wilderness species that could not survive in human-altered landscapes. However, wolves have expanded their distribution in the Great Lakes states into much semi-wilderness, demonstrating that they are more adaptable and can tolerate a higher level of human disturbance than originally thought. Wolves can survive anywhere there is sufficient food and human tolerance to allow their existence.
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Mountain Lions
They are popular cats. This must be true, because they have so many names! Here are some you may know: puma, cougar, panther and catamount! Mountain lions are Utah's biggest cats. Adults weigh up to 200 pounds! Their coats are a solid color, but can range from golden yellow to reddish-brown, or gray, depending on the cat. Their long tails and their ears have dark tips. Many years ago, mountain lions lived in every type of habitat. Now they live mostly in areas that have lots of open and unused wilderness. These places are found in the mountains and high desert. Mountain lions try to stay away from humans and live where they can find their favorite prey, mule deer.
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Outdoor Ethics
Honor the rights of private landowners. Gain permission of private landowners before entering their property. Honor wildlife's requirement of free movement. Feeding, touching, or otherwise harassing wildlife is inappropriate. Young wild animals that appear to be alone have not been abandoned; allow them to find their own way. Honor the rights of others to enjoy their viewing experience. Loud noises, quick movements, or extraordinary behavior that might scare wildlife is inappropriate. Wait your turn or seek another viewing opportunity. Honor your own right to enjoy the outdoors in the future. Leave wildlife habitat in better condition than you found it. Pick up litter that you might encounter at a viewing site and dispose of it properly.
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The Buffalo
The American Bison has one of the most dramatic stories regarding human impact on the environment. In the seventeenth century, an estimated 60 million bison roamed the plains of North America. With the arrival of settlers, the Bison were pushed out of their native land and ruthlessly hunted - until, by 1890, less than 1,000 animals survived. Unlike the native Americans, who had traditionally hunted the bison for food, tools, and their hides, the European's slaughter was primarily for sport, with people shooting from the newly built railway, seeing how many they could kill in a day. With fortuitous foresight, the American Bison Society was formed in 1905 to secure the survival of this species. With the help of captive breeding and reintroductions to the wild, the American bison population is now relatively secure, with 500 thousand animals. |
The Great Moose
The moose is the largest member of the deer family, averaging 950 to 1,000 pounds and sometimes exceeding
1,200 pounds. The front shoulder hump and flap of skin hanging below the throat (called a bell) are characteristic of mature moose. Bulls carry flat, palmated antlers which begin growing in April and are usually shed in December and January.
Moose have rather poor eyesight, but acute senses of smell and hearing. They have long legs and splayed hooves which enable them to move easily in marshy areas and along streams and lakes where they browse on aquatic vegetation and on various types of willows and shrubs along shorelines. Moose are quite capable of diving to the bottom of shallow ponds and lakes, where they rip up bottom-growing vegetation.
Though they appear formidable, moose are seldom aggressive. Exceptions are a cow that feels her calf is in danger, or a bull in rut. Rutting or mating season occurs from mid-September to mid-October. Calves (usually twins) are born in May or June.
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What is Project WILD?
Project WILD is an interdisciplinary conservation education program emphasizing wildlife. The program is designed for pre-K through 12th grade educators and other youth group leaders. Project WILD capitalizes on the natural interest that children have in wildlife by providing, hands-on activities that enhance student learning in all subject and skill areas. Project WILD educational materials are provided to educators through practical, interactive workshops
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