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Tuesday, July 14, 2015

A Water Hole in Summertime

Shyla and I tend to stay in the bright open areas of the forest and meadows during our outings.
At the same time, there's a wilder part of the forest where the animals are carrying out their daily routines. I've learned that water holes are active places in the forest, especially in the summer.

If I were to place a trail camera on any random tree in the forest, I could go a whole year without getting a photo of a single animal. In contrast, if I find the places that attract animals like water holes and bear marking trees, my trail cameras see far more activity.

I mentioned earlier this summer that I'd found a new water hole. It seems to attract all sorts of wildlife. In the video that I'm about to show you, it attracted Tiny, our huge black bear, and it also attracted a mountain lion. I believe the mountain lion is a female who might have kittens in the area. She's been appearing on my cameras far more frequently than most mountain lions, suggesting that young kittens are stashed somewhere nearby.

You can watch the video here or at Youtube.
I think it's interesting that bears love to soak in the water while the mountain lion seemed only interested in drinking (and possibly waiting to see if any prey came to the water hole). I wonder what a coyote would do? I am quite certain that dogs would splash around and get soaked in it!

19 comments:

  1. It is so neat to see all the different creatures in the same area. I don't have a water hole, but I totally wonder what happens in the bush behind our house . . . I may need to look into a trail cam!

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  2. That is incredible footage. If you have ever tried to bathe a cat you know why the lion doesn't like the water

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  3. So it must be true that cats don't like to take a bath:) That mountain lion has a huge collar on him, must be uncomfortable for him. How we love watching the big bear bathe:)

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  4. How interesting to have this look into the lives of those wonderful animals. Keep rolling.

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  5. Shyla is so pretty! I love the soft green background!

    Watching the animals at the watering hole is so fascinating!

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  6. I hope the deer and the mountain lion don't show up when the bear is taking his bath cause I think the bear will be em-bear-ass. BOL

    Aroo to you,
    Sully

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  7. What wonderful footage...from the owl to the mountain lion, we just love seeing nature being, well, natural!

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  8. What fun to watch the different animals at the watering hole and what a gorgeous picture of Shyla!

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  9. I love the video! we smiled as we saw the mountain lion, it really looked like a kitty as it started to drink (but I wouldn't like such a kitty in my lap lol).
    easy rider

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  10. I'm curious about the mountain lion, not only is he/she collared, but there are tags in the ears? Love watching your videos of the wildlife. Thank you for sharing!
    Steph

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  11. That watering hole sure is a popular spot!

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  12. What a beautiful watering hole
    Lily & Edward

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  13. That looks like a peaceful place.
    stella rose

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  14. I think a coyote would probably enjoy it like the bear. Love that photo of SHyla too!

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  15. We love, love, love that photo of Shyla!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Your Pals,

    Murphy & Stanley

    Pee Ess - Oreo's mom has challenged our mom! See details on mom's boring blog: http://10onceagain.blogspot.com/

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  16. Those watering holes "are sacred" to soo many wild creatures!
    love
    tweedles

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