As July comes to a close, with the luxuriant bloom of spring
a distant memory and the promise of Fall rain still too far off to provide any
solace, the ranch and all its inhabitants are locked in the stranglehold of
drought. Plants and animals alike have shed all excess, reducing energy expenditures
to what is most critical for survival. This stress on the ecosystem does
provide an opportunity, however, particularly for one tasked with observing and
recording animal behavior. If there is a silver lining to the drought conditions
afflicting the ranch this summer, it is the predictability of wildlife
movements as a function of available groundwater. This week on the blog we have
trap-camera highlights captured over the last month around the last remaining
creeks and springs still producing despite the relentless heat. As these water
sources continue to dwindle, the animal activity around those that subsist
dramatically increases. The clips below are just a small sampling of the many
animals trying to beat the heat this summer on Tejon.
These two beautiful young cougars (likely siblings) are utilizing
one of the last remaining catchments of this size on Winter’s Ridge.
I noticed this downed cedar below Lopez Flat was perfectly
situated as to create a bridge across the canyon. I set up a camera out of curiosity
to see who was using the short-cut. Check out who showed up!
Relentless heat has a way of working everyone’s nerves. These
two pigs are fed up with one another along El Paso Creek.
Even in the most extreme conditions, life somehow finds a
way! Here a fawn on still shaky legs enjoys her first days of life under the watchful
eye of mom.
