This incident at Big Sky Resort, Montana, is both unusual and remarkable. On December 15, 2023, the ski patrol reported two separate avalanches in closed terrain. Intriguingly, one of these slides appears to have been inadvertently triggered by a goat. Amazingly, this goat was carried the full length of the avalanche, over a distance of 1,000 feet and through rocky terrain. Remarkably, it emerged from this perilous journey unscathed.

The evidence collected by the patrol paints a vivid picture of the event. Goat tracks were seen leading into the crown area of the avalanche and later exiting the debris pile at the bottom. Impressively, there were no signs of injury, such as blood or broken limbs, suggesting the goat was remarkably lucky to escape without harm.

The patrol’s detailed description of the goat’s journey through the avalanche is a testament to the resilience and hardiness of these animals. The fact that the goat managed to travel such a distance and through challenging conditions, only to walk away apparently unharmed, is nothing short of miraculous. This incident also underscores the unpredictable nature of avalanches and the importance of respecting closed areas in mountainous terrain for safety.

“Further investigation of the avalanche yesterday showed goat tracks leading into the crown area of the avalanche. At the debris pile, it was obvious that a goat had taken the full ride in the slide that it triggered. There was a depression in the debris pile where the critter had come to rest at the surface, and obvious hoof prints trailing away from the debris pile, and then upslope for the long walk back up to rejoin the herd. There was no blood, and the tracks looked usual, with no obvious sign of broken leg(s). It is unknown if the goat was wearing an airbag or if it was deployed in the avalanche. It was a significant ride, 1K’ vt., 1⁄4 mile linear, likely of high speed, through 2nd Dictator transition, which was taken down to mostly bare ground.”

– Big Sky Resort patrol

Witnessing wildlife in their untouched environment is genuinely fascinating. Capturing their behaviors undetected offers a unique insight into their world, far beyond what we could see if they were conscious of us observing them. While the concept might seem a bit unusual, it’s an invaluable method to study animal behavior.

The video here showcases an entire year at a beaver dam in Northern Minnesota, close to Voyageurs National Park, through a trail camera. This footage reveals an array of wildlife including wolves, bears, deer, beavers, ducks, foxes, and various bird species. Intriguingly, there’s a moment where a human is spotted crossing the dam in a peculiar way, which adds a touch of humor to the observation. This video is a testament to the wonder of nature and was a delightful watch.

You gotta love this deer who blindly sends it over a minivan with nothing more than a wish and a prayer. Too bad for the deer there is a parked pick up truck right in the landing zone. Thankfully the deer seem to be OK making its way off the pick up truck and scooting out of frame.

Apparently, a healthy adult white-tailed deer can often leap up to 30 feet horizontally in one go.

Hopfully the deer was okay and will live to leap again.

Life’s resilience never ceases to amaze, as demonstrated by a curious individual who embarked on a fascinating homemade experiment. Our world is a thriving tapestry, brimming with a myriad of organisms, creatures, animals, and plants, all tracing their lineage back to humble single-cell ancestors and evolving into the multifaceted life forms we witness today. Yet, the intricacies of this remarkable transformation have long piqued our curiosity. Fortunately, we now have the opportunity to gain insight into this intricate process, all thanks to the inquisitiveness of one intrepid DIY enthusiast.

“Last week, I scooped a jar of muddy water and weed out of a local pond, sealed it, and placed it on my north-facing window sill, in an experiment to create a sealed ecosphere. Let’s have a look at some of the things I saw in there during the first week,” the creator wrote on YouTube.

Week 2

Week 3

You’ve no doubt heard of scarecrows. You know, the fake people setup around farms to scare away crows? They’re everywhere in today’s world, especially in October, from movies to halloween costumes. They aren’t actually all that scary, and I’m willing to bet most crows don’t really care about them anymore. Put one of these Japanese Robot Wolves in a farm, though, and you’ll give anyone who comes near some serious creeps.

These robot wolves, like scarecrows, were initially designed to keep wildlife away from farms, but, with a recent uptick attacks across Japan, the town of Takikawa has been using these manmade monsters to deter bears.

The look on the robots face is… pure evil. Plus the noises that it makes and the way that it moves, it’s all straight out of my nightmares. I think we should install these things around the United States just to keep people from going where they aren’t supposed to. I think even the most hardcore burglars would be a good bit freaked out if they saw that coming at them.

Below are some more clips of the mechanic monster spooking some wildlife. The robot uses infrared sensors to sense movement, triggered only when it knows there’s something nearby. Then, once it’s triggered, it makes horrific noises, flashes blinding lights, and, of course, moves around to mimic a real wolf.

Related: Photographer Successfully Deploys Bear Spray After Minutes Long Encounter

Image Credit: Daily Watch via YouTube

It’s elk rut season in the United States, and that means we’ll probably (but hopefully not) start seeing video after video of tourists making incredibly dumb decisions in Estes Park, Colorado.

I don’t think I’d call the people in this video that dumb. It’s never a good idea to approach an elk in your car, especially a bull elk, as they may see it as a threat and attempt to attack (like what nearly happens in this video). These people are definitely too close, but they do stay in their car, and eventually begin backing away slowly when things get dicy.

The real meat of the video is the argument going on inside the car. That’s where the true entertainment is.

“Back up Jack, back up Jack, BACK UP ….. JACK”

“Back up WHERE?”

Since it’s elk rut, a lot of people are headed to Estes Park, Colorado, and that means it’s a great time to brush up on elk safety.

Always keep a safe distance from any wildlife, including elk. Approaching any wildlife within 50 yards (150 feet) can disturb, displace, or piss off wildlife, and is often illegal. If an animal is keeping an eye on you or moving when you move, you’re definitely too close. Always keep your pets on a leash, for their sake, for the wildlife’s sake, and for your own sake. Don’t allow them to bark at, lunge at, or chase the animals, either.

When you do decide to stop and snap some pictures, remember that distance is key! Again, stay at least 50 yards away from the elk. Move your car safely off the road and do not block traffic. Respect private property, as well. Just because an animal wandered onto someone’s land doesn’t mean you can too. Also, don’t imitate elk calls or bugles during rut. That will endanger both you and the elk.

Related: Bozo Thinks Its Okay To Unleash His Rottweiler Near Elk

Image Credit: Kenna Mia via TikTok

“The grizzly bears up in Katmai National Park are so well fed rangers don’t seem particularly intimidated being in the presence of the apex predators. The park actually hosts a “Fattest Bear Contest” every year to determine who has cultivated the most mass.

“This video was recorded outside my cabin at Brooks Lodge in Katmai National Park. The mother bear is 435 Holly. The cub had been in an encounter with a porcupine the week before and had a lot of quills in her paw which caused her to limp.”

Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) is once again warning the public about moose safety after a hiker trampled a hiker near Divide, Colorado.

On Tuesday, September 12, two hikers with dogs spotted a cow moose and calf near the Crags Trail, just about three miles south of Divide. The hikers first spotted the moose around a mile into the trail, first stopping to observe and then attempting to go around while maintaining distance.

The moose continued to approach the duo, eventually causing one of the dogs (all three were reportedly leashed) to begin barking. In reaction, the moose charged and trampled one of the hikers. The hikers were able to run away after getting the animal off, but it continued to chase them down trial.

The duo was able eventually able to get to their cars, and the moose stopped its chase. The trampled hiker was able to head to a hospital where it was confirmed that they had only sustained minor injuries.

“This incident is a reminder of why we warn everyone to respect wildlife and give them their space. We know Colorado residents love their dogs. But understand that moose see dogs as predators and react in defense of themselves and their young.” –  CPW’s Area Wildlife Manager for the Pikes Peak region Tim Kroening

This incident should remind Coloradans to give wildlife extra space in the backcountry. Avoid thick willow habitat in riparian areas, where moose and moose calf are feed or rest, always keep dogs on a leash, and back away slowly the way you came if there’s a wild animal on the trail ahead of you.

Watch the below video for more information on moose safety in Colorado:

Related: Incredible Footage Shows Bear & Wolf Working Together To Take Down Moose

Featured Image Credit: Paxson Woelber, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

What’s rule number one when observing elk in the wild? Keep a safe distance! Parks usually have their own guidelines on what constitutes a safe distance, but you certainly won’t be finding any ranger saying it’s acceptable to go within 50 yards (150 feet) of an elk (it’s illegal to go any closer in many places). Also, don’t approach bull elk, and if you see one on the side of the road, STAY IN YOUR CAR.

Further down the list of how to act safely around elk, you’ll find something telling you to back away if an elk begins to approach. Put the camera away and slowly move in the opposite direction, unless you’re trying to get seriously hurt. If an elk begins to charge at you, you can (and should) run away. Get behind a tree or other solid object so the animal can’t come directly at you.

This video, which appears to have occurred during the rut season for elk, shows a brilliant tourist following none of those safety tips. Stay a safe distance? Nope, I’m going to get right up in the animals face with my phone. Back away cautiously when the animal begins to approach? Nope. I’m going to keep filming while backing away, just to increase those chances of tripping as much as possible. Run when the animal begins to initiate a charge? Of course not! That would ruin my footage!

“Im just here to remind you that Bull Elk are incredibly unpredictable and aggressive at this time of year. Stay in your car and never approach them.” – Kendra Neef

Seriously though, why do people think this is okay? I’d love to walk around the streets of some major city like New York and poll people on proper wildlife viewing tactics. I’d like to think that most people are smart enough to know not to approach the massive animal, but maybe that’s just incredibly wishful thinking…

Related: Alaskan Fisherman Run For Their Lives With Grizzly In Hot Pursuit

Image Credit: Kendra Neef via Instagram

What’s gonna work? Teamwork!

It’s not often that you get a solid clip of multiple predators working together to take down prey. It’s even less often that you get a solid clip of two different types of predators working together to take down prey, but that certainly seems to be what’s going on in this clip from ADF&G Southeast Alaska.

Ignoring the way these two are working together for just a second, it’s pretty crazy just to see how the bear and wolf manage to remain invisible in the eyes of the prey until the very last moment. Beyond that, it’s just crazy to see these two work together.

“Prey and predators collide in this trail camera clip captured by remote camera near Gustavus in Glacier Bay National Park during an ADF&G wolf predation study. Witness the intense moment when prey and predators come face-to-face in this clip!” – ADF&G Southeast Alaska

Acceding to the International Wolf Center, it’s not unheard of to see these two together. Typically, though, it seems that grizzly bears will follow a wolf pack knowing that there may be food at the end of the path. The bears typically scare off the wolves once a carcass is discovered, taking it for themselves.

This clip is a bit different. The bear does the main attack and the wolf goes after the calf. It almost feels like they preplanned this together. Schemed it up before the moose showed up. That’s probably not the case, unfortunately. It is a pretty unsettling idea that a bear and wolf could be working together out there. It certainly wouldn’t bode well for hikers and hunters.

Related: Mountain Goats Have Killed 3 Dogs At Popular Utah Hiking Destination In 1 Month