Dale & Debbie Part 9 - Wildlife Series: Land Mammals

In the past 6 years and 8 months on the road we have taken numerous pictures of wildlife. We chose some of our favorites to share in hopes they may inspire you to get out and find some, especially as the weather warms up this spring. Some of you may have already done so in the past, but there’s always more to see. Although many of our sightings were while hiking, remember that you do not have to be a hiker to see wildlife. You do not even have to drive around, bike or walk. Just get outdoors and find a nice place to sit and let them come to you! In the meantime, please enjoy our photos of land mammals. The pictures were taken in many locations throughout the U.S. and Canada.

The American bison was named the national mammal of the United States in May 2016. In the spring, bison lose their fur coats in clumps making them look shaggy. The bulls are certainly more interesting to take pictures of, they are usually found roaming alone. The cows live in maternal herds with other females and their young. The herds do not mingle until breeding season. Don’t be fooled by their sluggish, lazy and peaceful presence though! They are unpredictable and can charge at any moment, so be cautious around them. Although they are the largest mammal in North America they can run up to 35 mph, are very agile, and are very good swimmers.

Everyone seems to love prairie dogs and we have hundreds of pictures of them. They are just too cute! There are five species in North America which vary in size and color. They are the most social members of the squirrel family.

This piebald deer is very uncommon due to a genetic abnormality that leads to a lack of pigmentation in patches around the body. Piebaldism is different from albinism. I read there was a piebald deer living in a specific state park, so we went to see her. As we were on our way back from the last trail we saw deer running and jumping through the woods, and there she was with a group of brown deer!

Horses & Ponies

Take a look at these cute and wonderful wild ponies located at Grayson Highlands State Park, VA. They are a sight to see, but be sure not to approach them, touch them, or feed them. They are wild after all! (pic on left)

If you are in the areas of Assateague Island, MD or Cumberland Island, GA, be sure to check out the wild horses on those islands! Beautiful to behold, but be sure to keep your distance! Horses on both of these islands are considered feral, which means they were once domesticated generations ago, but now live on their own. (pic on right)

These bighorn sheep are fun to watch! They are very sure-footed and have great balance as they climb these cliffs in a Z shape.

I hope you enjoyed looking at our fun images! Be sure to get outdoors on your camping adventures and enjoy all that nature has to offer.
-Dale & Debbie