Getting too Close
I was in Yellowstone National Park spending the summer season working in Mammoth Hot Springs. It was October so I knew that the bighorn sheep should be in mating season. I did my research and some scouting and found a good location in hopes to see some Rams competing over ewes. I packed up my camera gear and headed to rescue creek trail head.
I followed the trail for about a mile then headed off trail to the south up the mountain. I came in luck and saw a herd of about 30 bighorns In the distance so I slowly began stalking them.
The herd was very docile and didn’t mind me getting close. I dint see any older rams but the opportunity to photograph such beautiful animals at such a close proximity was still an exciting experience.
Young bighorn ram
Some nice backlight. The sun did drop below the mountains well before dark so dramatic light was a bit lacaking.
I got within yards of the sheep moving my tripod and camera as I went. They stayed still and let me take pictures and seemed to be unbothered by my presence. I was able to capture a few decent images. When I was content I hiked down the mountain and headed for my car.
When I arrived back to my Vehicle there was a Park ranger waiting for me. He asked for my license and questioned me on what I was doing in Yellowstone. He proceeded to write me a $120 ticket for “harassing the wildlife. I argued a bit as I didn’t feel as though I was harassing the bighorns. He said that as I was walking around I made the animals move which is considered harassment.
I thought I was alone on Top of the mountain. But They were watching me with spotting scopes from the Gardiner ranger station about 5 miles away down the mountain.
so when you visit Yellowstone make sure to keep 25 yards distance from the wildlife or you can receive a fine. Also it is not good to bother the wildlife. I learned my lesson, You never know when the rangers will be watching.
