MAZAMA RIDGE AND ITS ANIMALS TRACKS.

Over on Mazama Ridge the "animals had a fair and the birds and beasts were there" as the old song goes. At least it would seem so judging from the great number and variety of tracks that one usually finds there. This is especially evident after a heavy frost, a light snow or rain, which erases evidence of the tracks of the days before.

Deer and bear seem to be particularly abundant on the ridge and seldom are we disappointed at not finding evidence of the fact that they passed here during the night before. Just at present the bear, like many other animals, is preparing for his winter period of hibernation and we see him often now, lumbering lazily along through the huckleberry patches, his sleek sides as round as a barrel. They look very much like they are so fat that it is an effort for him to move--which is not the case by any means. On one occasion the tracks of a Bobcat were seen. Pretty high for a Bobcat though. And of course there are always coyote. These dog-like tracks are abundant along the trails for this fellow likes the wooded country. A plains animal, the coyote, now becoming very abundant in most all our National Parks. Sometimes too abundant, for he thrives under the protection that is given all animals here. Occasionally he tastes "Ranger lead" but seems to be thriving in spite of it.

Mazama Ridge, noted for its abundance of beautiful flowers in the summer, seems to be a favorite rondeveaux for game of all kinds at this season. Many times your efforts are rewarded by a sight of the original--not only the tracks. It's a great country. Be sure and see it sometime!

Click to see a copy of the original page of this article (~115K)