If you watched yesterday’s video of all the celebrations, you may have noticed we did have the whitest of Christmas this year. We did, however, receive some albeit lite, snow over night. It was just enough to glance a peek at who has been visiting the sanctuary during the night.
As caregiver Amanda and I were conducting our daily inspection of the perimeter fence this morning, we noticed not just a plethora of tracks, but a decent variety of tracks.
On our way up the Young’s Hill side, we noticed two sets of tracks going up and down.
Upon closer inspection, we both could clearly see they were left by a some kind of canine.
After confirming with Diana and J.B. that they did not take Abbey, Benny, or Nala for a walk up the hill recently, we can rule them out. With only one other species of canine that inhabits the area, it’s safe to say these tracks more than likely belong to some coyotes. Though there are wolves and foxes in Washington, we don’t really see them around here. Plus the size is a little more consistent with a coyote than the other two.
Also left almost literally all over were deer tracks.
We do have a lot of deer who call sanctuary grounds home. More often than not it will either be mule deer or the occasion white-tail deer. Just because there are two families of mule deer seen recently, I’m just going to guess these were mostly mule deer.
Admittedly, these next tracks I just saw be made.
These were made by a little round fluffy chickadee.
*no archived photo found of chickadee*
These next tracks were left by the absolute most fearless, vicious predator on sanctuary grounds. A predator so fierce, wolves, coyotes, cougars, bears, and all other wildlife are afraid of him.
These tracks belong to the one and only Barn Kitty! It was kind of fun to follow his steps to see where his paws lead him around. And trust me, he walks around a lot more than I thought, and I had already assumed he was walking around a lot.
Here are his paw prints next to one of the chickadees. Yes. I can confirm these tracks were made at two different times since I saw the chickadee make them.
Last but not least, there are these tracks.
Upon closer inspection, I could only guess these were made by that elusive Washington resident: Sasquatch.
Ok. Maybe not the Sasquatch, but his cousin Chimpsquatch.
And course it wouldn’t be a true snow day with some snow treats!
As a bonus for today, here are some photos from yesterday’s Christmas celebration!
Annie
Missy
Negra and Burrito
And my last message for tonight:
Someone very special has a birthday rapidly approaching! We could really use your help in making it special by going to our wish list and help us acquire some of the supplies/presents we want to give the special guy: Burrito!
Thank you, Chad, I really enjoyed seeing the animal tracks. That mule deer is quite impressive. How would the chimps react if they were outside and happened to see a coyote meander through? Again, the blog was very interesting. Barn Kitty :rofl: so cute.
Hi Nancy! Here is a link to the blog post from April 27, 2021! ?
https://chimpsnw.org/2021/04/negra-and-the-uninvited-lunch-guest/
Thanks for that link, a blast from the past. I forgot about that. Go Queen Negra, spotting the intruder and notifying everyone. Dear Dental Mother Jody, always there for support.
That’s DEN Mother. AI, grrrrrr.
Well, I was today years old (and have had a cat or three in my lifetime) before I knew that cats have more tose on the fron paws than the back! And BK thwarting all the rules….so much for “back paw goes into the same place the front paw just vacated”! Sneaky…
Glad you fences are tall….our coyotes and coywolves here on the island clear 6′ fences and walls like it’s nothing!
Looking forward to Epiphany to celebrate Bubba-the gift that keeps on giving!
I’m not a big fan of snow, but like you, I sure do enjoy seeing what creatures have been moving about the yard when I’m not looking. Unfortunately we do not see any Chimpsquatch in my neck of the woods.
Wonderful bonus photos today. How did fast moving Missy ever spot that tiny little tomato hiding in the tree?! She must have echolocation for her beloved tomatoes! And I love Negra sitting at her festive table. Better yet, Negra got one of the brusselstoe! Fantastic!!
By the time you finally finish cleaning up from the holidays it will be time to celebrate Burrito’s birthday. It’s Party Central in Cle Elum. How wonderful for the chimps.
And don’t forget New Year’s in beyween!
Hi Chad. Cant find the list. can you provide a link?
Scratch that. Found it
I feel like Missy and Jo have always been the ones to inspect the tree carefully, Jamie right behind them. I hope Neggie got a roll, too! Burrito was picking them off quickly!
I’d love to see a Chimpsquatch in my yard!
I’d probably even settle for one of these:
https://youtu.be/3d826LzX0q8?si=9930DfG4rtLzmfyQ
Jamie really loves that sand table, or snow table as it becomes in winter! I always think of it as her desk!