this one wild life
The title this week plays on wildlife—alluding to the the quote about our “one precious life”— all the wild life that surrounds us and reminds us to appreciate the beauty of our own wild lives. Yesterday, I took my friend into the park (what we locals call Yellowstone NP) and casually drove up to wolves walking through the area. The wildlife sighting inspired me to note all the wildlife I’ve been fortunate enough to spot this year, 2025. Although I didn’t take pictures of most and most of the ones I do have were sent to me, I’ll share my good fortune with you. Hopefully, this doesn’t come across to you as a humble brag, rather a sweet reminder to stop, breathe, and enjoy the small lucky moments we get in our natural settings.
Fall 2024 visitor to the home residence!
WINTER
A bison blocks the exit for snowshoers at the Roosevelt Junction in Yellowstone NP (Sprite is the human in a white jacket pretending to be hiding safely behind the sign in the middle of the photo.)
Fortunate enough to attend not one, but TWO! excursions into the park to celebrate the snowy months, I lucked out with the following wildlife sightings:
fox
eagles
osprey
swans
coyotes
bison
bighorn sheep
elk
Hello, Fabio! This handsome bighorn sheep flipped his head towards us to pose when we greeted them.
Another snowshoe walk through the woods with a friend afforded us a glimpse into the peaceful scenery of a mama moose with her calf by a creek. A few snowshoe hares visited my backyard leaving the cutest lines of pawprints across the snow. I didn’t realize how long their back legs are until I saw them hopping across the yard. That’s it for my winter wildlife sightings. Pretty lucky, right?
SPRING
Deer roam freely through town and are always curious.
The pigs aren’t wild at the Bearcreek pig races but they sure are adorable!
The town I live in has a turkey problem. Our wild turkeys run amok and can be found wobbling across the streets or up in trees. At least they are amusing in the springtime when the females completely ignore the males display of tail feather.
We also have an overabundance of deer nibbling on grass and trotting back and forth across the busy road into town. The bambi twins are cute but I’ve had to shoo them away from my flowers every morning all summer long! Moose also walk around town or rest in someone’s lawn all day. Fewer numbers means you have to be in the right spot at just the right time to catch them in action.
Finally, bears. Black bears forage around the edges of town where the creek flows swiftly and sometimes they knock trashcans around in an attempt to score some food. Fortunately, bear proof cans are required and successfully implemented. I did not see any black bears or grizzlies this Spring but they’re worth mentioning since sightings are possible.
Notable mention: Every time I had visitors this past summer, I made sure to take them to the local pig races. The pigs are special sightings to me even if you don’t want to count them. I didn’t see much during Spring but mud season is an awkward time when you can’t get out on the trails and you’re trying to clean house anyway.
SUMMER
Wild mustang in the high desert of Wyoming
Every summer I relish welcoming the mountain bluebirds back to my yard! This year we also enjoyed hummingbirds, meadowlarks, and other birds I’m unsure of what they are considered to be. Going over the pass offered glimpses of chipmunks, mountain goats, and ravens.
The first backpacking trek surprised us with a lack of wildlife despite all the signs (fur, prints, etc.) until we spotted wolverines! We spent the entire rest of the trek determining what those creatures weren’t. Seeing a marmot, one of us would proclaim, “Definitely not that!” Then rolling out of the pass back into town a black bear lifted its head to look at our car pass and we all shouted together, “100% those were wolverines!” Up until that moment we considered the possibility of a black bear having a tail. It’s funny how you rationalize something you’ve never encountered before.
Returning from my second backpacking trek, I passed by two grizzlies on the side of the road. The bear jam annoyed me so I didn’t bother stopping, merely rolling slowly carefully and appreciating them quickly. Sprite had to get home and dry out a wet tent, don’t you judge my nonchalance!
TAJ and I took a backcountry driving excursion through Wyoming and encountered numerous wildlife from wild horses and domesticated cows to coyotes, eagles, bighorn sheep, elk, and pronghorns. I loved every bit of observing the animals in their environment. Then, the wolves! Yes, it’s been quite a summer of wildlife sightings for me. I appreciate all the chance encounters and always hope for more. Here’s to seeing moose this Fall! What have you been lucky enough to spot this year?