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Spring Returns to Yellowstone
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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.
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75th Anniversary Yellowstone Society Challenge
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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].
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Nature: In the Valley of the Wolves
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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).
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Spring Learning Vacations
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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.
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