In addition to their backpacking trip to Fairyland Basin, Steve, Eric, and Chris did a couple of day hikes in Yellowstone National Park. One was along the Yellowstone River near Canyon. Before they'd gone very far, they heard a yipping of canines (coyotes? wolves?) then heard something crashing through the brush on a hillside. This elk cow and her tiny calf were rushing downhill toward them, desperate to escape whatever was chasing them.
In the second photo (below), the calf's head is peeking out from behind a tree. 
Apparently the pursuers sensed man's presence and took off. The elk soon followed suit, since she didn't trust that human smell, either.The day proved exceptionally rich in wildlife viewing. 
The hikers spied this blue grouse (above),
The hikers spied this blue grouse (above),
a great-horned owl, 
a ground squirrel,
To view more camera critters, click here.
Wow! what adventure! Is it OK to take that Elk skull home? or are there rules and such?
ReplyDeleteWonder which was chasing the elk. Great shots of the grouse and owl. And that bull elk sure had a nice rack. Too bad you can't collect in the park. These guys sure got in some great hiking.
ReplyDeleteCan't tell you what it is, but my next ABC Wednesday post was born yesterday. Thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteWhat an eventful hike this was! The grouse and the elk and calf are very rare meetings I guess.
ReplyDeleteOh it must be amazing to meet an elk (just the one's who escaped)
ReplyDeleteElk? wow! never meet one yet. what a beautiful place to live! so much things to see and enjoy.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting and leaving a nice comments.
I dont think clarenix and nasonex have generic version yet. But I will check that out. Thank you Janie.
Tess
Janie: What wonderful critters you have shown. I love your skull find.
ReplyDeleteIt was a great wildlife day. I just love the baby elk. Thanks for sharing these great photographs.
ReplyDeleteWow! Lots of wildlife. Great pictures.
ReplyDeleteIt's decided! I do far to little hiking! I want to jump feet first into your blog pictures. These hiking boots were made for walking..and that's just what they'll do...la la la!
ReplyDeletenice critters
ReplyDeletewhat raw beauty sandy
ReplyDeleteGreat day on the trail! I love seeing the elk especially in the Park. Nice photos!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful adventure that was and so many wildlife pictures.
ReplyDeleteWow, you really saw some fantastic wildlife!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place you live in! Great photos!
ReplyDeleteWhat an exciting hike! Nature at its best.
ReplyDeleteWow You found so many in one go.
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures. I loved the great horned owl. I've seen several at my uncle's ranch in Idaho.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a great skull/rack and yes, it is a shame you're not allowed to take this stuff home if you find it. That would have been such a cool memento of their hike.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great week of hiking they had! Glad mama and baby elk made their escape. Wonderful photos they got!
That was a great hike! I wanna go there! :)
ReplyDeleteYou posted some wonderful pictures. I'm glad the hikers were able to help the elk escape whatever was chasing them.
ReplyDeleteBlue grouse are total unafraid of people i remember a few years ago when i lived a mile outside of ETNA,CA i would hang around our place he was totaly fearless
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