Anne Elliott's photos with the keyword: Caribou

Two days ago, 7 November 2015, I was out all day with my daughter. She had asked if I wanted to go to several Christmas Fairs south of Calgary, including Millarville and Okotoks. Then, in the evening, I was out at the annual 'Banquet' for the nature group I belong to. So, the whole day was most enjoyable. I think half of Calgary as well as everyone from the surrounding areas were there at the same Christmas markets. Everywhere was absolutely packed! Normally, I don't go to any Christmas fairs any more, but it does make a lovely day out with my daughter. Each Christmas, I treat myself to one new thing, and this year was no exception : ) Also bought a Bison and roast vegetable pie from the Canadian Rocky Mountain Ranch exhibit, the first time I had ever tried anything from them. At one of the fairs, Santa's reindeer were patiently waiting in a pen outdoors. No sign of Rudolph, though : ) Our drive in between fairs took us through some beautiful scenery. I absolutey love our rolling hills with the Rocky Mountains in the distance. Love them at any time of the year, but I especially love to see them in fall and when covered in snow. How dfferent everywhere will be looking today, though - a winter wonderland! It has been snowing since last night and today, 9 November 2015, everywhere is under a blanket of snow. The temperature this morning is 0C (windchill -3C). We have been so lucky to have enjoyed an amazing fall season, so we really shouldn't complain.

Can you imagine having to go about your daily life with huge antlers right in front of your eyes, lol? It must give these beautiful Woodland Caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) at least a couple of "blind spots". Woodland caribou are classified as At Risk in the General Status of Alberta Wild Species report. Photographed at the Calgary Zoo in the Canadian Wilds section on 5th November 2007. "Woodland caribou inhabit the boreal forest of northern Alberta and mixed coniferous forests and alpine regions of west-central Alberta. Recent assessments estimate that Alberta's woodland caribou inhabit about 113,000 square kilometres (43, 630 square miles) of the northern and west central parts of the province. Unlike their counterparts in other deer species, both caribou males and females grow antlers. Mature bulls grow large racks, but those of cows are shorter and have fewer points. Summer coats are a rich dark brown on back, sides, legs and face, and creamy white at the neck." www.srd.alberta.ca/BioDiversityStewardship/WildSpecies/Ma...

Can you imagine having to go about your daily life with huge antlers right in front of your eyes, lol? It must give these beautiful Woodland Caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) at least a couple of "blind spots". Woodland caribou are classified as At Risk in the General Status of Alberta Wild Species report. Photographed at the Calgary Zoo in the Canadian Wilds section on 5th November 2007. "Woodland caribou inhabit the boreal forest of northern Alberta and mixed coniferous forests and alpine regions of west-central Alberta. Recent assessments estimate that Alberta's woodland caribou inhabit about 113,000 square kilometres (43, 630 square miles) of the northern and west central parts of the province. Unlike their counterparts in other deer species, both caribou males and females grow antlers. Mature bulls grow large racks, but those of cows are shorter and have fewer points. Summer coats are a rich dark brown on back, sides, legs and face, and creamy white at the neck." www.srd.alberta.ca/BioDiversityStewardship/WildSpecies/Ma...

This is a young Caribou at the Calgary Zoo Ranch, which is a 320-acre captive breeding facility at DeWinton, south of Calgary, and is not open to the public. The ranch also serves as a Zoo quarantine and holding area for everything from elk to zebras. This place is a breeding centre for the endangered Whooping Crane, too. I had the chance to visit yesterday afternoon, unfortunately in light rain.

I always wonder why these majestic animals have to have such a HUGE set of antlers that come way down over the nose. Must be one of the most annoying things for any living creature! Seen in the Canadian Wilds area at the Calgary Zoo a couple of days ago.

One of the impressive Caribou on the Canadian Rocky Mountain Ranch. This place belongs to a cousin of a friend of mine and we called in to say Hello on our way out to hike the Fullerton Trail, out past Bragg Creek along the Elbow Falls Trail (Highway 66).

One of the Caribou at the Calgary Zoo. Actually, there is a ranch not too far away that has a herd of Caribou. Gives a slight Christmasy feeling when I see these animals.