Yup, It's Just Another Winter Day In Southwestern Montana
Jan 27, 2018 21:05:55 #
There's nothing like getting out in the wild and experiencing it first hand. I live in southwestern Montana, which is lacking in many of the cultural advantages that the rest of the world experiences...but what the hell...I've learned to make the best of the situation. This is just another one of my photo experiences that I'd like to share with you.
These pictures are around where my last batch of pictures were from, along Peterson Creek, east of Deer Lodge.
I traveled only a couple of miles to and from, but it was well worth it. There was a pretty fresh mountain lion kill that I had come across with my dogs last weekend and I wanted to see what had become of it. A little morbid in my curiosity department? Yes, I guess you could say that, but it's a part of life (and death) that has always interested me. The cat prey was a elk calf and all of the desirable parts for predators were gone on this second trip. Judging from the tracks in the snow, I could see that the lion had returned at some point, as did coyotes and birds. Nature, which is both beautiful and cruel, is all about survival of the fittest.
These pictures are around where my last batch of pictures were from, along Peterson Creek, east of Deer Lodge.
I traveled only a couple of miles to and from, but it was well worth it. There was a pretty fresh mountain lion kill that I had come across with my dogs last weekend and I wanted to see what had become of it. A little morbid in my curiosity department? Yes, I guess you could say that, but it's a part of life (and death) that has always interested me. The cat prey was a elk calf and all of the desirable parts for predators were gone on this second trip. Judging from the tracks in the snow, I could see that the lion had returned at some point, as did coyotes and birds. Nature, which is both beautiful and cruel, is all about survival of the fittest.
The Flint Creek Range.
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Peterson Creek is down there in the trees.
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The Boulder Mountains are to the east of Peterson Creek, which you still can't see.
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Entering the treelike, which was nice because it broke the incessant wind which was pretty chilly.
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Hey look, it's the angel on the top of the Christmas tree.
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Well finally...Peterson Creek (under the snow). It's there, believe me.
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The south facing hillside lost some its snow. It's steep, but if you pace yourself, it's not too bad of a climb.
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The side of the hill.
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What the hell is a kitty cat doing out here?
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Jan 27, 2018 21:18:22 #
Jan 27, 2018 22:04:58 #
Jan 27, 2018 22:07:56 #
...I’m cold just looking at them...those look like pretty big cat prints...
Jan 27, 2018 22:19:00 #
Hi Carol, thanks for looking. This place has some perks at times.
Cwilson341 wrote:
Awesome series, Mark. You live in a wild but wonderful area!
Jan 27, 2018 22:19:59 #
Hi Longshadow thank you for the compliment.
Longshadow wrote:
Nice set!
Jan 27, 2018 22:28:16 #
Hi SkyKing it was a little chilly. Adult mountain lions vary in weight from 85-120 pounds for females to 120-180 pounds for males, and may reach seven to eight feet in length from their nose to the tip of their tail. I'm not sure what this one was, but since I didn't see any small tracks, I'm assuming it was a male. Thanks for looking.[=SkyKing]...I’m cold just looking at them...those look like pretty big cat prints...[/quote]
Jan 27, 2018 22:52:30 #
Hi Mark -- Thanks for taking us along with you on your "morbidly curious" trek. Nice pix! I've gotten to recognize bear prints in the snow so when I see them, I do an about-face as fast as I can, no matter how great the scenery is that day. You're braver than I am -- and your shots are worth it! -- Jackie
Jan 27, 2018 23:13:14 #
Hi Jackie, it was my pleasure to take you along. You're wise to recognize possible health hazards when out and about...I kind of get a rush from the whole danger aspect...not that I'm overly brave or reckless, it's just exilerating.
One pair of tracks that will make me turn around are bear mom and cub tracks. Never get between a mom and her children.
I had an experience like that north of where I live where there are a lot of grizzlies, and I have to tell you, the hair stood up on the back of my neck when at first we suddenly encountered a lot of bear tracks, followed by fresh tracks where there weren't any before when we turned around.
One pair of tracks that will make me turn around are bear mom and cub tracks. Never get between a mom and her children.
I had an experience like that north of where I live where there are a lot of grizzlies, and I have to tell you, the hair stood up on the back of my neck when at first we suddenly encountered a lot of bear tracks, followed by fresh tracks where there weren't any before when we turned around.
Pixie Jackie wrote:
Hi Mark -- Thanks for taking us along with you on your "morbidly curious" trek. Nice pix! I've gotten to recognize bear prints in the snow so when I see them, I do an about-face as fast as I can, no matter how great the scenery is that day. You're braver than I am -- and your shots are worth it! -- Jackie
Jan 28, 2018 11:46:23 #
Cougars are critters to be respected. One took down an 1100 lb cow in my neighborhood.
Jan 28, 2018 20:29:24 #
Wow, now that's an accomplishment. A lot of the ranchers around here have been raising cattle that have horns so they have a little protection (usually against wolves).
DMGill wrote:
Cougars are critters to be respected. One took down an 1100 lb cow in my neighborhood.
Jan 28, 2018 21:55:50 #
DOW at first said, ‘impossible.’ They investigated and paid up. We had some unusually large cougars in the area.
Jan 30, 2018 12:28:31 #
Jan 30, 2018 21:11:11 #
They, the cougars, must eat good.
DMGill wrote:
DOW at first said, ‘impossible.’ They investigated and paid up. We had some unusually large cougars in the area.
Jan 30, 2018 21:11:36 #
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