| The majesty of a wild animal in their natural | | | | has a much larger habitat, ranging from the |
| habitat is unmatched. Animal watching can be | | | | Arctic Circle down to Mexico. It lives in the |
| a great way to catch a glimpse of the | | | | forests and mountains, and like its brown |
| splendor of nature. A recreational hike or a | | | | bear counterpart, can be spotted from late |
| ride through scenic roadways can afford one | | | | spring to early fall. Northern forests or the |
| the opportunity to see many animals. It is | | | | Appalachian mountain range make great areas |
| important to understand when and where to see | | | | to spot a black bear. It is active in the |
| different animals so you are prepared when | | | | fall preparing for hibernation. This bear can |
| you strike out on a trek to spot that | | | | often be spotted foraging in berry patches |
| magnificent creature. Forays into nature | | | | and along rivers. They are also often found |
| during late summer and early fall, August | | | | around dump sites, or anywhere food might be |
| through October, are great times to catch | | | | left unattended for long periods. The black |
| some magnificent sites. Moose: August - | | | | bear is spooked easily so observance from a |
| October The moose is one of those great | | | | distance is the best bet. Bison/Buffalo: July |
| beasts that many people set out to spot. It | | | | - October Bison, or buffalo, are an |
| can be seen throughout the Northern | | | | endangered species due to extreme hunting |
| Hemisphere, especially in the northern, | | | | practices during the early to mid-19th |
| coniferous forests. It is an awe-inspiring | | | | century. Most of the bison today are located |
| animal that can reach heights of 7 feet and | | | | in Yellowstone National Park. They run free |
| weigh as much as 1,500 pounds. It is easily | | | | within the park and can be seen throughout |
| spotted during a drive along undeveloped | | | | the area. Bison mate from July to early |
| areas of the highway or through scenic | | | | August and the calves are born in April or |
| roadways. They can also be spotted on trips | | | | May. These young bison can be seen in late |
| down the many waterways in New England. They | | | | spring and early summer. Bison can be seen |
| like to munch on the tender water plants and | | | | throughout the summer and they are easy to |
| the ferns and young trees along clearings and | | | | spot on the prairies during late summer and |
| roadways. Late summer and early fall, as the | | | | early fall as they get ready for winter. It |
| nights begin to cool, is the best time to | | | | is important to be safe and give the animals |
| spot these giants. Early morning and dusk are | | | | their distance when observing them. Many |
| common times for moose to be out and about. | | | | people have been seriously injured or killed |
| Grizzly Bear: June - September The grizzly | | | | due to pushing too close. The animals will |
| bear can be seen along the Western Mountain | | | | often ignore watchers who keep a distance and |
| range, from Northern California to Alaska. | | | | this provides the best opportunity to see |
| Alaska and Western Canada have a higher | | | | them in their natural setting. Pack a lunch, |
| population than the continental U.S. These | | | | put on the hiking boots, or jump in the car, |
| bears often make their way to the coast for | | | | and head out to watch these splendid |
| the running of the salmon and can be seen | | | | creatures. ~Ben Anton, 2008 |
| along many streams and rivers. They can be | | | | |
| seen from June to September fishing, lounging | | | | Ben Anton lives in Portland, OR and writes |
| in the underbrush, or eating young shoots and | | | | for DLK. We invite you to find out more about |
| berries. Some of Alaska's parks and | | | | hiking in the United States and the lights |
| sanctuaries afford the best chance of | | | | and multi-purpose camping knives you will |
| spotting one of these large brown bears. | | | | need at DLK's web site. |
| Black Bear: May - September The black bear | | | | |