7/15/14 Jackon Hole Flora and Fauna

Buffalo on Ridge in Front of Grand Teton Mountains

We were greeted by a herd of Buffalo on our arrival and again on our departure.  Camping on the Gros Ventre River lent to a short walk to fishing and close range viewing of Moose along the river.  Photo below is of a teenage moose and we also saw a cow and calf Moose the next morning. 

Teenage Moose Gros Ventre River

A photo of a grizzly was taken in our campground  two weeks before we got there.  You have to keep your eyes peeled for bears and moose at all times and make noise walking near the river so as not to startle them and provoke a charge.  As we walked I banged two rocks together for noise and John said, you throw those rocks at a bear and you'll really get eaten.

Got Me Some Bear Spray

Signs everywhere tell you what to do if attacked - basically don't run as that excites them and they can outrun you.  Lay on your belly with hands behind your neck.  It's harder for them to eat you when the most bony part of you is presented.  How reassuring.  John is reading the book, "Lord Grizzly" about the Mountain Man in 1823 who got mauled by a grizzly and left for dead by his army unit. With no weapons for defense or to get food, he crawled 200 miles surviving initially on grubs. Incredible true story of human tenacity. 

As a result of an unusual amount of rain this year, the western prairie and mountains are still covered with red, orange, purple and yellow flowers and sage bushes.  People say they have never seen flowers like this so late into summer.  The delicate sweet smell of sage (not the spice variety) is wonderfully intoxicating.