We interrupt our usual RV product reviews, truck and trailer maintenance tips, and workamping posts for nothing more than some fun photos of wildlife I recently encountered near our Rocky Mountain retreat where we are spending the summer.
[box type=”note” style=”rounded” border=”full”]Tip: Click photos to browse all at full size.[/box]
Coyote Pups of Crystal Lakes
First, the furry cuteness overload…
![Crystal Lakes Coyote Pups](https://www.liveworkdream.com/wp-content/gallery/floraandfauna/0717w_coyotepup0778.jpg)
Shortly after returning to Jerry’s Acres this summer, we discovered a coyote den and saw the pups playing nearby.
![Crystal Lakes Coyote Pups](https://www.liveworkdream.com/wp-content/gallery/floraandfauna/0717w_coyotepup0780.jpg)
They must be just a few months old now. Driving home one evening, a couple of them stopped to check us out.
![Crystal Lakes Coyote Pups](https://www.liveworkdream.com/wp-content/gallery/floraandfauna/0717w_coyotepup0775.jpg)
Apparently, we aren’t that exciting after all.
Creedmore Lakes Encounters
We’ve visited Crystal Lakes for almost eight years now, and just finally hiked a couple miles along Panhandle Creek, past Creedmore Lakes. Came across critters of all shapes and sizes along the way…
![Creedmore Lakes Moose Cow](https://www.liveworkdream.com/wp-content/gallery/floraandfauna/0717w_creedmorehike0734.jpg)
TIP: If you stumble upon a moose while hiking with others, quietly tell everyone to stop and quickly have your friends grab their dog. If it’s a cow, you do not want to find out if she has a calf nearby!
![Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly](https://www.liveworkdream.com/wp-content/gallery/floraandfauna/0717w_creedemorehike0752.jpg)
Walk softly and don’t forget to look down
Bald Eagle Encounter
And then, cresting the dam on a run one morning I came upon the resident Bald Eagle at Panhandle Reservoir.
![Crystal Lakes Bald Eagle](https://www.liveworkdream.com/wp-content/gallery/floraandfauna/062317w_CLeagle5545.jpg)
As I approached it was just hopping out of the water.
![Crystal Lakes Bald Eagle](https://www.liveworkdream.com/wp-content/gallery/floraandfauna/062317w_CLeagle5546.jpg)
I stopped and watched a while.
![Crystal Lakes Bald Eagle](https://www.liveworkdream.com/wp-content/gallery/floraandfauna/062317w_CLeagle5548.jpg)
As the beautiful big bird watched me.
![Crystal Lakes Bald Eagle](https://www.liveworkdream.com/wp-content/gallery/floraandfauna/062317w_CLeagle5549.jpg)
I may have disturbed his breakfast.
![Crystal Lakes Bald Eagle](https://www.liveworkdream.com/wp-content/gallery/floraandfauna/062317w_CLeagle5552.jpg)
Or her breakfast.
![Click to Close Crystal Lakes Bald Eagle](https://www.liveworkdream.com/wp-content/gallery/floraandfauna/062317w_CLeagle5553.jpg)
It’s hard to identify bald eagle gender from afar.
![Crystal Lakes Bald Eagle](https://www.liveworkdream.com/wp-content/gallery/floraandfauna/062317w_CLeagle5554.jpg)
Only had my old iPhone 4s with the crappy camera.
![Crystal Lakes Bald Eagle](https://www.liveworkdream.com/wp-content/gallery/floraandfauna/062317w_CLeagle5555.jpg)
But at least I was able able to catch this sequence of the majestic bird taking off.
![Crystal Lakes Bald Eagle](https://www.liveworkdream.com/wp-content/gallery/floraandfauna/062317w_CLeagle5556.jpg)
And flying across the lake.
Pretty Creatures Everywhere
Finally…
![Hiking Panhandle Creek](https://www.liveworkdream.com/wp-content/gallery/floraandfauna/0717w_creedmorehike0735.jpg)
I encountered the most beautiful creature of all.
![Panhandle Creek](https://www.liveworkdream.com/wp-content/gallery/floraandfauna/0717w_creedemorehike0741.jpg)
The elusive Barefooted Rat! Cooling off in the creek after exploring all the wildlife nearby.
Check out our Flora and Fauna photo gallery for more fun pics.
What wildlife have you encountered in your travels?