Elk grazing north of Norris
Many of the Elk are so accustomed to tourists that you can get very close to them, as I did when taking this picture without a telephoto lens.  However, signs are abundant warning of the dangers of approaching wildlife.  Note the trees and sparse vegetation - the scars from the uncontrollable fires in 1988 are still very apparent.

 Female Elk grazing near Mammoth (normal lens photo)
The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is home to the world's largest Elk herd.  About 10,000 Elk travel south to the National Elk Refuge, just north of Jackson Hole, to spend 6 months in winter.  During several of the harshest months, they are fed pelletized alfalfa to offset the lack of available food.  This is one of the few exceptions to allowing nature to "take its course" in the ecosystem.

Minerva Terrace, Mammoth Hot Springs
Yes, it looks like snow, but it's limestone and calcite.  While Minerva is bright white, many of the terraces are multi-colored, presenting a dramatic contrast to their surroundings.

Page 3           Next Page