Environmental Stewardship
In an effort to showcase some of HLCC's wildlife, the following photo gallery has been put together. We hope you enjoy the diversity
of life that the HLCC Ranch contains as much as we do!
Mule Deer Buck, near Locate Creek on HLCC Ranch.
Leafy Spurge (right), possibly one of the most vigorous and hard to iradicate noxious weeds of the West. HLCC has maintained
a steady and comprehensive battle against this weed for a number of years now. Most of the spurge has been contained to areas
along the Powder River, although isolated patches dot the ranch. A patch is usually found while out riding or doing other cattle
work. Its location is kept in mind, and someone tries to return later to spray the weed.
Prickly Pear Cactus (below)- And possibly the only thing good about it--Its beautiful blooms each June.
Western Meadowlark- The Montana State Bird
Pelicans in Yellowstone River near HLCC Farm.
A Cotton-tail (below), soaking in some of the winter sun and having a snack!
Sometimes, you don't actually see the critter, only signs that they have been there. These coyote tracks were seen on a gumbo
point while out riding.
After retreating into his den, this Fox kit was more curious than scared!
The environmental factors of this region have shaped the land for thousands of years, dictating everything from its topography to
its floura and fana. Eastern Montana is visited regularly by violent thunderstorms in the summer. This storm, in June
of 2002, dropped from 3 to 4 inches of rain in under half an hour. When much of the country is gumbo badlands that absorb almost
no water, the rain turns to runoff and flash floods are a possibility. The picture below shows Locate Creek flooding immediately
after the storm, near one of the ranch house units.
Elk
These 2 Bull Elk were almost missed in the morning shadows.
Mule Deer- The most plentiful big game species in this area is the Mule Deer.
Eastern Montana Severe Thunderstorm
WildLife Photo Gallery
Copyright 2007 Photos Courtesy of David Graham.
Photo images are protected under copyright law and cannot be used without expressed
consent. Thank You.
Antelope Bucks
Well adjusted to the plains of eastern Montana, the Antelope is a common sight on the HLCC ranch.
Badger
Perhaps among the fiercest of the plains inhabitants, there are plenty of badgers on the HLCC ranch. This young badger
seemed to be more curious than on the fight!
Coyote
This coyote was trying to stay cool on a hot summer day. Snow Creek, HLCC Ranch.
