Just last week CNN Headline News featured a viewer video of a woman being chased and struck by a bison at Yellowstone National Park. In the video you can see that the bison is meandering across a paved parking lot minding his own business when a friend of the woman keeps approaching closer and closer to get a better look. The woman, even knowing better, followed her friend to get a better video.
To view the video in its entirety, go to the YouTube link below:
You will note in the video that the bison gave several warnings that he was uncomfortable with the approach of humans. First he tried to move away and place a tree line between the threat and himself. When the person still came on through the trees the bison then lifted his head and looked at him with his head moving up and down. The bison then kicked his heels up lowering his head and the woman still kept filming him. Finally the wild animal stressed by the perceived threat had to revert to flight or fight mode. Since the threat had kept moving toward him even after he attempted to calmly make flight from the area he most likely felt he had no choice but to fight and attack.
These same behaviors can been seen in any wildlife you may encounter in a National Park even if it is a bear, deer, or chipmunk on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Always give wildlife their space. Revel in the opportunity to view animals in their native habitat, but do not crowd or stress them into instinctual reactions.
This incident once again illustrates the lesson I have told several times on this blog and in my book, “A Park Ranger’s Life”,that park visitors should always enjoy viewing wildlife from afar.
Here in mid-summer Parkway meadows are filled with the beautiful blooms of summer that remind us that just about any time of year or season the Parkway is a wonderful place for those who love wildflowers.
North of Roanoke, Virginia, which includes Peaks of Otter and the high elevations across Apple Orchard Mountain, visitors will find Milkweed, Yarrow, Ox-Eye Daisy, Tall Coreopsis, Queen Anne’s Lace, Black Eyed Susan, Woodland Sunflower and Tall Bellflower.
Visiting Mabry Mill or Rocky Knob you’re likely to find Butterfly Weed, Milkweed, Heal All, Jewelweed, New York Ironweed, Coreopsis, Deptford Pink and the beautiful tall Turks Cap Lily.
Spotted Knapweed and Joe-Pye Weed are new blooms this weekend around Mabry Mill. Rosebay Rhododendron is still showing some blooms but on the decline.
Here in mid-summer Parkway meadows are filled with beautiful blooms of summer that remind us that just about any time of year or season the Parkway is a wonderful place for those who love wildflowers.
On the north end of the Parkway through the Humpback Rocks area look for Woodland Sunflower, Milkweed, Yarrow, Black Eyed Susan, Fleabane, Ox-Eye Daisy, Queen Anne’s Lace, Viburnum, Goldenrod, Columbine and the bright orange Butterfly Weed. Many of these same species are blooming in the beautiful picnic area at Milepost 5.8.
Through the Peaks of Otter area, look for many of the same species. In addition Milkweed, Tall Coreopsis, and Wild Bergamot are showy right now. Visiting Mabry Mill or Rocky Knob look for. . .
A benefit of having an office near the Blue Ridge Parkway is being able to go on a short hike after work. Today I was able to hike Beacon Heights Trail. This is another one of my favorite short Blue Ridge Parkway hiking trails, with great views. From the intersection of Hwy. 221 at Grandfather Mountain, go south on the Parkway across the immediate bridge, and the parking lot and trailhead are on your left at MP 305.2 .
This is a great leg stretcher with gradual grades. It is an easy to moderate hike. There is a good amount of roots and stones on the trail, but it is easily maneuverable. To get to the huge views, go right at the first junction on the trail. When the trail splits again, stay on Beacon Heights trail and go left. At the next junction and crest, there will be a bench. Read more »
A friend and myself were fortunate to have a sunny day to hike one of my favorite short hikes on the BRP, Flat Rock Self-Guiding Loop Trail. The parking lot and trailhead are located at MP 308.3. It is about a 5 minute drive going south on the Parkway from the intersection of Hwy. 221 at Grandfather Mountain.
This is an easy, slightly inclining trail which is a pleasant 15-minute walk in the woods, meandering through some nice and varied foliage. An extra treat is that many species are marked and identified. In no time, you are walking onto the outcrop of Flatrock which is a massive crop of quartzite. There are incredible 180° long range views of a western panorama. This is definitely one of the great sunset views on the BRP. Read more »
A benefit of having an office near the Blue Ridge Parkway is being able to go on a short hike after work. Today I was able to hike 
