Oregon is home to one of the largest expanses of temperate coastal dunes in the world. The stark contrast of ocean, dunes, temperate forests, wetlands, sun and mist in such a small area is the recipe for rare and stunningly beautiful sights. South Jetty, Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Florence Oregon, USA
Watching Bighorn Sheep prance around on these loose cliff edges is a bit nerve racking for me as a human. Watching the lambs bounding right over the edge at speed made me wonder if they would reappear. They are incredibly agile and confident on these surfaces and the young always came bouncing back over the top into view. In 2017, Badlands National Park was home to at least 265 Bighorn Sheep. That number is 10% lower then the 2016 count, the 5 year average and the lowest count since 2006. The herds have been suffering from a bacterial pneumonia but seem to be recovering as mortality rates in exposed herds has declined. Game management doesn't seem to be concerned as hunting permits are expected to be issued for 2018 unless there are significant deaths before the season opens. Five permits were issued in 2017 and all 5 hunters bagged a ram (ewes and lambs are not allowed to be hunted). Badlands National Park, South Dakota USA
Although the Pronghorn is not a true antelope, it is often referred to as such due to the close resemblance (American Antelope is one common name). It is the fastest land animal in the western hemisphere. With measured speeds of 55 mph it is second only to the cheetah but can sustain high speeds longer than a cheetah. This particular buck was by himself and was quite curious. I exited my vehicle to watch him and to my surprise, he approached me as I talked to him in a gentle voice. I don't have much experience with pronghorns but my previous impression had been that they spook very easily so to have him approaching me was quite exhilarating. He was still on alert though, as moving my legs or arms too quickly had him checking his escape routes. I enjoyed his company for 15-20 minutes, thanked him for posing, climbed back in to my vehicle and he watched as I drove off. Backroads of Southern Colorado, USA
