This is the general area where the Gallatin, Custer, and Shoshone National Forests all meet. This is also still very much part of the Yellowstone ecosystem. Over the years, I have found I prefer camping in the national forests surrounding Yellowstone, both in terms of crowds, scenery, and the actual campgrounds themselves. Don’t get me wrong, Yellowstone is amazing, and one of the most beautiful places on earth. But there’s much more to Yellowstone than the official national park. The Yellowstone ecosystem comprises 18 million acres, and the land surrounding the park is often more scenic, and far less crowded.

Those seeking watchable wildlife like bison and the unique geothermal features will prefer Yellowstone. but the national forests that border the park offer a more “in-the-mountains” vibe, without the traffic jams one can find in the park.

The Beartooth Mountains are to the north in the photo, just beyond the snow-dusted mountains. To the left is the Absaroka Range, one of the longest ranges in the U.S.

A great day if you are a fan of the outdoors and all the interesting things it holds. A rare jaguar was caught on camera in the remote southern mountains of Arizona. It is the only jaguar known to exist in the U.S.

Federal officials are still reviewing 1300 square miles in Arizona and New Mexico as critical jaguar habitat. Those watching have to wonder how this will play out for the proposed Rosemont mine site, which is near this jaguar sighting.

It’s sad to see the Arizona Department of Fish and Game oppose such a designation. I have found that state wildlife operations are largely corrupt and influenced by local industry and politics. National forests and national parks were created to remedy just such entrenchment. And thus the need for federal protection for many species.

Either way, a ghost has returned to its former home. And once more, we are lucky to witness what we’ve known, aligning with what should be.

Photo from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service:

Rather than scurrying off, this western gray squirrel let me take a seat near it and enjoy the Yosemite sunrise. I’ve had some fantastic experiences in our parks and forests, but this is one of the more memorable ones. The spot is known as Glacier Point, and is insanely popular. But I arrived at dark, well before sunrise, and the squirrel and I had the place to ourselves.

I miss the California parks. One day, I’d love to return and spend even more time. I’d like to think that this sunrise-watching squirrel will still be there, and still be okay with the company of a bipedal variety.

I came across this coyote in Yellowstone National Park. He was a rather unique fellow. He tested the breeze often with his snout, and chose his paths carefully.

Chelan tribal myths indicate the coyote as “the head of all creatures”.

Maybe.

News is just coming in that a helicopter using thermal vision has spotted a potential cougar in the Meacham Grove Forest Preserve (Bloomingdale, DuPage County, Illinois). The original reason for the fly over was a missing person.

Watching the video, it’s hard not to think this actually is a cougar. It sure as hell isn’t a dog, or a person. Nor would it be a raccoon.

My hope is that the potential cougar is never seen again, and disappears to southern Illinois, or northern Wisconsin, both of which have national forest land and small wilderness areas. Illinois has a habit of blowing anything away it doesn’t understand. See the gunning down of a Chicago cougar in 2008.

There are 923,000 people in DuPage County, and now, apparently, one cougar. Let’s hope the gun jockeys can keep it in their pants.

More here.