West Yellowstone to Gardner

The last time we went for supplies, we decided to drive through the park, out the north entrance at Gardner, to Livingston, MT, west to Bozeman and then back home. There is always something interesting to see in the park, no matter how many times we have visited.

There is a nesting pair of bald eagles near the west entrance. Their nest site was blown over last winter, so they picked a different tree nearby for their new nest. Here is one of the adults.

Mom and baby elk.

Two more elk does with another baby.

Baby posing for a picture.

Cinnamon black bear munching on wildflowers.

Another view of the same bear. It appears to prefer the flowers over the plants.

This was a surprise to find prickly pear cactus blooming near the Gardner entrance. We weren't expecting them here.

According to signs, the soil in this area of the park has a high amount of clay and only a few plants can thrive here. There was a large field just covered with the cactus blooms.