While walking through a ponderosa pine forest in a western mountain range, a flash of color against the green background of pine needles caught my attention. Careful observation revealed a small bird flying from branch to branch in the uppermost branches of a large pine. The bird’s bright yellow body, red head, black tail, and…
Category: Wildlife
Bison: The Symbol of the West
Nothing symbolizes the American West more than the American Bison (Bison bison), the nation’s national mammal. Although commonly referred to as buffalo, bison are not actually buffalo. True buffalo are a different animal found only in Asia and Africa. Still, the name buffalo continues to be used interchangeably for bison. Bison once populated the grasslands…
American Pine Marten
Most people, if asked to name wildlife species in the West, would probably include bison, moose, elk, bighorn sheep, etc., all large charismatic megafauna. However, there are many other species, less well known, that are important members of the West’s wildlife tapestry. One such animal is the American pine marten. Pine martens are domestic cat-sized…
Monarchs of the West
In my opinion, elk are the monarchs of the West. They are magnificent creatures, especially mature bull elk with their massive antlers. Mature bull elk can weigh up to 1,000 pounds and their antlers can weigh as much as 50 pounds. They are handsome animals with dark brown heads, necks, legs, and bellies. Most of…
Pryor Mountains Wild Horses
Most people who visit the American West never see one of its most iconic symbols. They never get to experience the thrill of watching a herd of wild horses running free. Although wild horses roam the West in numerous places, they are generally in open country miles from anywhere and not easy to find or…