No, the bison at Yellowstone #NationalPark in #Wyoming haven’t learned to fly. Yet. Despite weighing as much as 2,000 pounds, #bison are strong swimmers and can run up to 35 miles per hour. They can jump over objects 5 feet high and have excellent hearing, vision and sense of smell. Photographer Alex Walczak witnessed their power when he took this wonderful picture, “There was a whole group of them rolling around and I noticed a young bison running all over the place on the hill. I got this photo while it was in the middle of jumping and kicking like a bronco. After about 5 minutes of racing around, this young bison calmed down.” We guess it just needed to burn off some energy. Photo courtesy of Alex Walczak.

#ICYMI we’re looking back on our favorite posts of 2020. 10/10 in our #Top10of2020 #highlights #usinterior

Just wow. Intertwined after a midair territorial battle, two bald eagles at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Maryland hang suspended in a tree, talons locked. Blackwater is the center of the greatest density of breeding bald eagles on the east coast and a great place to observe them. But locked together in a tree? That’s a rare sight! This time of year, eagles are setting up their territories and beginning to build nests. Sometimes, defending a territory means locking talons in aerial quarrels and refusing to let go. These birds were hanging in the trees over Wildlife Drive for hours last week before finally freeing themselves. Incredible photo courtesy of Pat McGuire. 

Happy National Wildlife Day! When Robert Cooper was driving through Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, he drove down a side road and saw some people focused on something down the river. “I saw an elk running toward us. A woman in the group said, "We better get out of here.” I was thinking, “Why? It’s just an elk.” Then I realized that a large male grizzly was chasing the elk directly toward us. Two seconds later, the elk turned and started swimming across the Snake River with the bear in pursuit.“ What an amazing moment to witness! And a good reminder that respecting wildlife with adequate distance is just one way to honor them and ensure their future. What wildlife have you seen recently? Photo by Robert Cooper (www.sharetheexperience.org).

Life is better with each otter! It’s a great time of year to connect with those you love. Photo of two otters at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, courtesy of Trent Sizemore.