Still in Grasslands National Park SK

 

An evening encounter

We are still really enjoying the Grasslands park this time. There's a lot of hiking we just can't attempt, but there are shorter walks and of course, some lovely drives.

The campground has 4 Yurts (called oTENTiks) for rent

Hard to tell there is a deep grass-covered valley down there

Lots of vistas to visit

You do have to watch your footing, as there can be rattlesnakes (we haven't seen any, it's likely too cool here yet) and other risks. There are a number of low-lying cacti growing on or near pathways. Sturdy shoes are recommended:

Later in the afternoon we took a drive similar to yesterday. After 4 or so the wildlife starts to come out. We passed a lone antelope that wasn't bothered by us. Usually we find antelope more skittish than we have this trip:

Several young mule deer were frisking around, a ways off from us:

Something startled them, couldn't see what

We came across yesterday's badger again, in about the same spot. We were better prepared this time, so a bit better picture:

He was heading for that hole at the top right, didn't like us so close

The whole prairie dog community was aroused by the chase, many alert sentries and many alarm calls:

They were all around us. It's a huge Prairie dog community right there, and likely the badger was sneaking around looking for supper, until we spoiled his chances temporarily.

Tomorrow we will be heading to Waterton Lakes for 2 nights. It will be a travelling day, so likely no blog tomorrow.

P.S. re Anonymous notes: we do appreciate your comments, but please identify yourself, especially if we should know you. Even a first name would help. 

We haven't figured out why some people always show up as Anonymous. Some are intentional I guess, but we can't get Cathie's name to come up when she comments on our own blog. ?!?