Yellowstone Association E-Newsletter March 2008
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Spring Returns to Yellowstone
 

One thing that Yellowstone's hibernating animals share is that their long sleep is a dominant force in their lives. In the fall, many animals are busy preparing for their long sleep. Come March, they begin a steady trickle back to open spaces. While it still might not be common to spot these animals, many of Yellowstone's best known inhabitants are waking and recovering - signaling the start of spring in Yellowstone.

Broadly speaking, hibernation is an extended state of dormancy. But given the variety of methods used to get through the winter, hibernation is very difficult to define. Among reptiles and amphibians, who become much more sluggish in the winter, the process is called brumation. They survive the winter through a variety of techniques including finding areas where water does not freeze or hiding in leaf litter to keep warm enough to survive.

Mammals lower their body temperatures and live off fat reserves. Even here, there are great differences in how mammals survive. For many, bears are synonymous with hibernation. In mid-March the first reported sighting of a grizzly bear is a sure sign of spring. But bears are not the only animals that wake in March. Chipmunks cannot make it through the winter on just their fat, so they too wake up in March. However, until enough snow melts they will be underground living off food gathered last fall. Other animals, such as badgers, will come out to search for food when temperatures get high enough. They do this all winter, but warmer March temperatures mean they are more likely to be out.

Spring comes slowly to Yellowstone. A few tracks or other small signs might be the only thing you will find. For acute observers these few indicators are all that is needed to know that spring is returning.


75th Anniversary Yellowstone Society Challenge
 

In celebration of the Yellowstone Association's 75th Anniversary of providing support for Yellowstone National Park, we are issuing a challenge to all those who have an interest in the protection of this unique and incredible wilderness. Yellowstone Society members exemplify leadership in educating park visitors by giving contributions of $1,000 or more annually to the Yellowstone Association. Named after Yellowstone's beautiful rivers, membership levels include Lamar at $1,000, Gallatin at $2,500, and Bechler at $5,000+. Benefits of Society membership vary based on the level of support. You may also experience the benefits of a Society level membership through monthly charges to your credit card. Join or increase your level of support today online or for more information contact Crystal Leach at 307-344-2296 or [email protected].


Nature: In the Valley of the Wolves
 

Bring home the highly anticipated saga of Yellowstone's famous Druid Peak Pack. This epic film follows the three-year struggle for the dominance of the coveted Lamar Valley. Watch the romance, tragedy, and triumph that these renowned wolves bring to the screen, and gain a deeper appreciation for their story through narration by Academy Award- winning actor F. Murray Abraham. Shot in HD by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Bob Landis, In the Valley of the Wolves originally aired on PBS on Thirteen/WNET New York's Nature. This film is a must-have for wildlife lovers and Yellowstone enthusiasts. Price: $19.95 ($16.95 for YA members).


Spring Learning Vacations
 

Join the Institute this spring for our latest spring package, Essential Yellowstone. You'll enjoy wildlife watching in the Hayden Valley, walking along the rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, and touring the heart of the Yellowstone volcano.

This four-day, five-night package is offered this spring starting May 18 and 25, June 1 and 8. The program includes expert instruction by an Institute naturalist/guide, five nights of accommodations in the Lake area, breakfast and box lunch daily, dinner on the last night, in-park transportation and optional evening programs. Rates per person are $859 for double occupancy and $1,207 for single occupancy plus tax.



Yellowstone Association

Phone: 307-344-2293
Phone: 877-967-0090
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