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Category Archives: Alaska
Wolves are majestic. All dogs have ancestry dating back to wolves who decided long ago to avoid humans. Some wolves came to sit by the fire with people thousands of years ago. In doing so, they became domesticated dogs. Wolves stayed away and in doing so have remained the same. I have spent about 30 days in the back country of Denali National Park and to see a wolf or a wolf puppy is quite rare. They continue to avoid humans as much as possible.
A wolf pauses while searching for food just past the Toklat river in Denali National Park
A wolf puppy gives a bus load of tourists a thrill as it crossed the road about nine miles into the park in August of 2008.
I like to photograph just about anything that moves while in Alaska. Sure the big mammals are fun to shoot but there is so much more.
This arctic ground squirrel may have been alarmed by the presence of our vehicle in the back country of Denali National Park and Preserve. The hibernating rodent chirped every 5 seconds or so in a circle of about 180 degrees. Perhaps it was warning other ground squirrels in its colony. It turned and chirped. Turned and chirped. I took about 100 images to get this one. I timed his movement and chirping and just kept shooting until I got his mouth open. Arctic ground squirrels are always on the move and seem a bit nervous (for good reason). They stand up when they feel threatened to get a better look at the situation.
Arctic ground squirrels make underground dens with lots of tunnels and rooms. During the spring and summer they eat tundra plants, seeds and fruits to prepare for hibernation. They are quite jittery. They stand on their hind legs to get a better view of their surroundings. Their dens have several entrances and exits making it difficult for predators once they are inside their den.
