Trail Log 1995-1997 - Lamar at Colorado State University

I went up on a higher hill to try to see a carcass in the water, which wolves had killed a few days
before, but couldn't see it.
Drove up to the lookout west of the ranch. Sow and two cubs there, across the valley. She and
the cubs went up a long steep snowfield in ten seconds. Surprisingly agile.
Others had seen and heard the wolves howling further up, but no sign of them by the time I got
there.
Back to camp and spent the morning reading Northcott's The Environment and Christian Ethics.
Packed up from Slough Creek. A moose wandered through camp. Spent the afternoon at
Yellowstone Picnic area reading Northcott.
At 4.00 p.m., went to Yellowstone Institute and set up for the seminar.
My roommate is Jeff Norberg, 234 Barclay, Lolo, Mt 59847. 307/273-0980. He teaches science
in a Christian high school.
Grizzly bears feed on insects mating in hordes on cliffs high in the Mission Mountains (near the Bob
Marshalls) in late July, early August, a rather brief period. The area, or part of it, may be closed
during this time. It is about a day's hike in to see them and back.
Few of the roadside bears, in the old days, were grizzlies.
June 7, Saturday.
Up at 4.15, off at 5.00 a.m. Drove up to Soda Butte. Saw one black bear, first seen at a distance,
and then drove the van closer, and saw it rather well in the scope, though briefly (10-15 seconds).
Drove down to Slough Creek. Lots of people there. Someone spotted an alleged wolf in the
distance, and the whole group watched it and then two others for 40 minutes. They came closer
in, though always at much distance. They were all tan, and the eventual conclusion was that they
were coyotes. There were pups in a den lower down.
Returned to the class.
Lecture by Paul Schullery, on Yellowstone bears through history.
Lecture by Dan Reinhart on grizzly bear habitat.
Lunch. From the institute, in the distance, an elk calf seen nursing.
Badger out near the sled.
Afternoon: Three lectures by Kerry Gunther.
A coyote came by the ranch house back yard, and went down the creek.
Supper, and then I went out alone. Saw a wolf nicely up Soda Butte way, on the level bench across
the river. This was the best, or second best view of the trip, though the one the first night was also
good. The wolf was a dark color and had a collar on. I watched it defecate at one point. Tried to
see it further down at the horse trailer pull out, though no luck. Others said they saw it cross the
river at the horse ford without difficulty.
June 8, Sunday. All day field trip. Drove over the Mount Washburn highway. Whitebark pine has
a square-topped look, rather noticeable once you are alerted to it. Up close it is much like limber
pine.