Waking from Nap.

Black bear cub waking up from a nap/Elle Pollard 2017

Common Misidentification

The misidentification of this species is common.  Encounters often happen in a scene where human gather to observe a passing coyote, like the one where I captured this image. Correct identification can be difficult. I am referring to the misidentification of the human species in the wilds. You will know them by their howls "wolf, wolf" when a coyote is present.  These humans fall into two sub-species categories, the imalwaysright urwrong, and the idontknowthat wowthanks.

When addressing the imalwaysright urwrong, it is best not engage once identified. This sub-species is abrasive, have been known to become aggressive when a "coyote" call counters the "wolf" cries.  I have found the best reaction is to remain calm, slowly back away while issuing a distracting statement, "and did you see the coyote, too?"  Discontinue all interaction. Do not make further eye contact. Immediately seek a new location.

The Idontknowthat wowthanks is better suited to adapt and comprehend when presented with a different call.   An additional factual statement like, "its ears are taller and pointed unlike a wolf's that are shorter and rounded," makes their head tilts inquisitively. This group will relax and be attentive as if they are trying to gain knowledge for future use. This amicable sub-species is safe to feed information, "the coyote's muzzle is narrow or slender and pointed, while the wolf's muzzles are shorter and blockier."  Most will remain open and eager to learn. However,  few have shown a submissive demeanor by dropping their head.  Speaking in a reassuring voice to the wistful human, "misidentifying wolves for coyotes is a common mistake."  Slow, pleasant movements and vocalization is the best reaction.

Understanding the differences between the two sub-species will aid in proper identifications.

Coyote in the snow, Yellowstone NP/Elle Pollard 2018

Porcupine & Snow, Badlands NP

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Porcupine & Snow, Badlands NP/Elle Pollard 2018

The Ultimate Polar Plunger

The comical polar plunging otters were entertaining to watch and a rush to photograph.  The North American river otter (lontra canadensis) has two layers of fur. A dense undercoat traps warm air, along with their waterproof topcoat otters are able to swim the frigid waters of winter.  So we have it straight from Mother Nature herself, dressing in layers is a good thing.

North American river otter, lontra canadensis/Elle Pollard 2018

Bull Elk Stands in Soda Butte Creek, Yellowstone NP

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Bull Elk Stands in Soda Butte Creek, Yellowstone NP/Elle Pollard 2018

A Doe, a Deer, a Female Deer

Another Cades Cove image. A doe standing in a snow covered field with the Smoky Mountains behind her.

Female deer in the Great Smoky Mountains/ Elle Pollard (c) 2018

A Day in The Bush

When photographing wild animals it can be days on end of seeing nothing, enduring heat, rain, cold or anything Mother Nature can whip up. Then it happens. Everything at once, everywhere I point the camera there is a capture to be had.  This is complete bliss for my ADHD or as my favorite photography partner calls it “Squirrel Syndrome”.   

This particular morning was a perfect squirrel morning.  Starting with a lone fat spotted hyena moseying down the dirt road just before sunrise. Looking back at us I swear a look of guilt crossed his face. The consensus in the back of the truck was of certainty, it was the late-night-icebox-raiding hyena in camp the night before.  No evidence other than our suspect’s behavior mirroring that of a teenager sneaking home after a night of youthful shenanigans along with a full belly, a guilty verdict was issued in the early hour laughter and jokes. The kitchen invader picked up his pace and disappear into the bush.  With the rising sun came the birds including an appearance of the ground hornbills searching for their morning breakfast of insects, frogs or any small mammal.  I as I settled in photographing the large prehistoric looking birds word came there was a cheetah nearby.  Within minutes the truck was loaded and we were off to found him.  He was easy to spot, not quite a quarter mile down the road and only a 100 yards off. We watch this male approach an old fallen tree the cheetahs use for sent marking (urine-spraying) and observation.  Sent is the main communication channel among cheetahs, who needs a technology when a keen sense of smell and a spot of dried pee can tell you who has been hanging out.  

Witnessing this carnivore’s behavior only reaffirms how fortunate I am to be documenting this vulnerable animal whose future is uncertain and how important conservation work truly has become. Making those quite days of nothing fade as the great days and images shine light on the reason for conservation.