5 replies to this topic

[Trish]

We just got back from a wonderful trip. We saw a black bear in the Horseshoe park area that I did not get a photo of. Also saw 4 bighorn sheep in the Sheep lakes area there. We saw a moose snoozing in the bushes just off the trail to Fern lake. Saw lots of elk in the Horseshoe park area and Moraine park areas. In Horseshoe park we saw a big male bluff charge the car behind ours. Very exciting. Also we were watching a herd of elk in Horseshoe park where the big male had a broken antler. There was a smaller younger male some distance away just kind of innocently standing around watching them when the females started milling around anxiously. The youngsters in the herd got excited and two of them started running in big circles and doing that hopping thing they do sometimes. It always amazes me that an animal that size can hop like it is as light as a bunny rabbit. Anyway all of a sudden all of the females ran and joined the younger male. The big male with the broken antler trotted after them for a bit then seemed to give up (as if to say to heck with all of you you're too much trouble anyway). He just went back to eating. That was pretty fun to see. We also went and watched the beavers of Fishcreek Road one evening. All in all it was a very fruitful trip. Oh and the last evening we were there, which was the 24th we almost got to see some racy behaviour by some elk down the Endovalley road. We decided to give the elk some privacy and didn't stick around for the big event. We got back to our cabin at Workshire Lodge only to find that two randy little chicarees getting after it right in front of the cabin. Must have been something in the air that evening. I would post photos but when I tried it told me I was not allowed to use the image extension on this page.

[John]

Trish! That is awesome! What a great report!

[mistylady]

A great animal trip! Poor one antler elk! We saw moose on the Fern Lake Trail as well (2 young males). Glad they are coming to the East side. Fall is a great time to observe the animals. Keep trying to post some pics.

[goatboy]

sounds like a great trip, but we need some pics young lady

goatboy

[jflo]

Great report!! Sounds like you got to see some great wildlife! I still haven't seen a bear in the 12 years I've been going to Rocky... Someday...

[Allie]

Wonderful report, Trish. Been going to RMNP since '72 and have never seen a bear. Good for you.