William H. Wiley
402-875-1809
bill@wmwiley.com
1221 Rockhurst Dr.
Lincoln, NE 68510
Aspen trees have the widest range of any tree in North America. They are very important to the forest ecosystem, as they are usually the first trees to grow after a forest fire. Known for their bright golden-yellow leaves in autumn, aspens provide valuable forage for deer and elk, while the underlying plants provide food for mice, rabbits and voles. In turn, these small animals attract bobcats, coyotes and mountain lions. Around ponds and streams, beavers usually eat aspens before any other trees.
Atmospheric smoke from forest fires in September 2017 create a barely perceptible silhouette of the Grand Teton Mountain taken from the Snake River Overlook. For weeks the Grand Teton National Park and surrounding area were congested with gray smoke from 24 separate fires in Montana caused by lightening strikes.
From late September to mid-October, bull elk prepare for the rut season by rubbing their antlers against trees to remove velvet that has grown throughout spring and summer. They also thrash their antlers against branches and tree limbs, a behavior known as “raking,” which marks their territory with a scent from glands near their eyes. Besides strengthening neck muscles, raking is a sign of dominance, showing other bulls in the area that the elk is ready to battle for the right to mate with the cow elk in its harem.
