Just took an awesome, multi-week cross-country trip to Yellowstone, and stopped at Indiana Dunes, Badlands and Rushmore on the way.

Went to Old Faithful the very last day of my trip and witnessed this absolute jerk flying a drone around the geyser during an eruption. Grabbed this video, sprinted to the visitor center, and found a ranger. Ranger immediately went out and confronted him and walked him to an awaiting park vehicle.

I left my information behind at the visitor center with another ranger in case they wanted a statement but did not hear back, so I really hope he was banned and heavily penalized. Screw this selfish behavior - this is how incredible natural features get destroyed or changed forever.

Courtesy of Silver Gate Guides https://silvergateguides.com

Saw these bison in Lamar Valley last week and had to share the cuteness! (it's the hops for me)

I didn’t notice until later that he was using the lake as a toilet.

We took our telescope to Hayden Valley. Then we see what we think is the northern lights, looked faint green and moving. So I took a pic with iPhone…. And didn’t check it till we got done stargazing… and OMG. I cannot believe my phone captured these colors. I’m a massive space geek and this made my day.

We stopped for taking a picture of a bear in Hayden valley. Got lucky with this potato shot of a bear and an eagle.. next time I will take a better camera!!

First time I have ever seen a wild wolf up close, unforgettable experience.

2019 to 2026.
He was born in Yellowstone, where people watched him grow from a curious young wolf into a member of the Rescue Creek Pack. When he was little, he approached people and vehicles without fear and even picked up a photographer's tripod.
Biologists worked to help him keep his distance, and he learned. He went on living his life in the wild.
The people who photographed him remembered more than that tripod. One photographer wrote about watching 1273M walk away across the snow and feeling moved long afterward whenever he looked at the pictures. That is the kind of wolf he was to those who followed his life. He stayed with them.
It is painful to know that his life ended after he crossed beyond Yellowstone's protected boundary. 1273M WAS WEARING A COLLAR. He had been studied, photographed and known for years, yet none of that protected him once he stepped outside the park.
This is a heartbreaking loss for the Rescue Creek Pack and for wildlife. No wolf should be k*lled simply for crossing a line he cannot see.
Rest in peace, 1273M. So many people will remember you