Category: Yellowstone National Park

Ecolution

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This Minnesota Women’s Press newsletter showcases a four-part series about wolves’ impact on our local ecosystems. It will also be featuring some of my wild wolf images along with our ambassadors at the International Wolf Center in Ely, MN.

As for the title, you’ll need to follow along to see what ecolution is all about and how YOU can make a difference!

Wind Swept Ridge

In February, I went to Yellowstone with the sole purpose of observing wolf breeding behavior, with a focus on how the pack interacts with each other at this time. I got what I was looking for along with this stunning capture of the Junction Butte Pack wolves walking a ridgeline at sunset four miles away!

Teaching the World About Wolves

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A planned winter excursion to Yellowstone National Park was the perfect way to finish my fiftieth year on Earth. Pristine landscapes with snow-covered mountains and a plethora of wildlife encounters is how I began writing the next chapter in my life.

It started with a cross country trek in the International Wolf Center van with fellow wolf lovers. The plan was to meet up with dozens of friends and colleagues in Wyoming where we would spend days learning from the experts.

Doug Smith giving a presentation about wolves.
Image by Rob Schultz
We saw a lot of wolves on this trip. In fact, sixteen at once. For a photographer that’s a dream shot. But in Yellowstone, they are often too far away to make any kind of a decent image. Which was the case with just about every pack we saw on this trip. Here you can see seven (?) of the Junction Butte pack resting on the snow.
Wanting to get a better understanding of how I make good images of these wolves in the wild, KSTP news anchor, Kevin Doran and I spoke on camera about tips, tricks, and the gear.
Image by Rob Schultz
Agate Creek Pack • May 5, 2011

There were many shared experiences while riding in the van. Several of us had been to Yellowstone a number of times which brought about fun stories. Sometimes when critters passed closed by, there was no place to stop, so we’d simply make images through the glass.

Quick snapshot through the window of a coyote that slowly walked past our van.
Couldn’t pass up making an image of this handsome fella on the ridge. I may have photographed the same guy a year ago January, but that day I needed to walk out behind the ridge to find him.


“Winter Blues”

Our experiences often took place outside of the park.

Check out that curl! 
Likely the largest Big Horn Ram I’ve ever laid eyes on! Suspect he’s crossed state lines over his lifetime. On this afternoon, I photographed him in Montana!

Photographing the ram!
Image by Rob Schultz
Light drizzle, but gorgeous scenery as we make our way out of the greater Yellowstone ecosystem, with the International Wolf Center. It was an amazing adventure and I can’t wait to return!

Grizzly Approach

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This fall upon arriving in Yellowstone, we were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of this handsome fellow coming out of the trees. Watching his massive body move toward the road was a sight to behold. Staying inside the vehicle, I grabbed a can of bear spray and set it on the dash. Holding the camera with a 300mm lens, I cracked open the window just far enough to poke the lens through as he lumbered in our direction. Josie – the – dog looked though her closed back window out at this ominous creature coming toward her. She didn’t make a peep, and as far as I could tell, she stood still until he passed by. I will forever be grateful for being able to experience wildlife roaming wild lands.

Autumn Reflection

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That title stands for more than just the image. After three and half months on bed rest at the beginning of the year, and being diagnosed with stage 1 endometrial cancer, I was feeling good enough for my spring pilgrimage west. Two weeks on the road is rarely enough time to find where the critters are hiding, much less get the good light to photograph them well. But, it is what felt comfortable at the time, so in that two weeks I did my best and came away with a handful of fresh shots to choose from.

I went home in July for an annual photo gig, along with spending some much needed time with my family over Independence Day! Before I made it back to Minnesota, my Dad unexpectedly passed away. That is a loss I will be dealing with for some time yet. He helped form the values I live by today, taught my siblings and I how to be genuine, respectful and follow through with what we started, and was a true inspiration to all who knew him! I feel blessed to be his daughter!

With the loving support of family and friends, I dug deep and got the ball rolling again. Summer festivals were in full swing and the shops that sell my work, were gratefully doing just that! As the seasons began to change, I felt the need to spend some time again in the mountains. The decision to bring our dog Josie was perfect! This would give Tom a chance to get onto the trail when needed, and I had a 101˚ body to keep me warm on those chilly nights. This image is a favorite from that autumn trip.