Tag Archives: wildlife

The Wolf Hollow Quest: Paused, Not Abandoned

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A group of five gray wolves resting together on a snowy forest clearing, with one wolf standing while the others lie in the snow.

The Wolf Hollow Expedition Is Back on Hold

I’ve been exploring my options to visit Wolf Hollow. Wolf Hollow is a wolf sanctuary located in Ipswich, MA. It was conceived in 1988 and became a state‑ and federally‑licensed 501(c)3 non‑profit organization two years later. Wolf Hollow opened its gates to the public in September of 1990.

Discovering a Sanctuary Close to Home

I first became interested in Wolf Hollow when I was searching for a place to photograph wolves. I’d been to Yellowstone, where tourists sometimes get lucky enough to see wolf packs in the wild. I wasn’t one of the lucky ones. I’ve seen gray wolves in zoos — they always looked so sad — but I still haven’t captured a photo that reveals the true wolf essence.

I heard of a sanctuary in New Jersey, but weather interfered with that trip, and then life got in the way. Closer to home, I learned about Wolf Hollow.

Transportation Troubles and the GoWithGuide Detour

Their website doesn’t provide ticket pricing, so I’ll need to do more research. Since Wolf Hollow is located in Ipswich, transportation is a challenge. I contacted GoWithGuide and was given the name of a Salem‑based guide. I emailed him with what I was looking for, but he chose to pass.

At this point, I think I’ll need to plan a car‑rental day.

Weather, Timing, and the Photography Challenge

As much as I hate the cold, I also think winter might be the best time for photos. With overcast skies, the lighting should be soft, and the wolves’ winter coats should be in full glory.

Checking on Wolf Conservation Status

I was concerned about the status of the sanctuary, since there seems to be a lot of turmoil in the conservation world these days. The Endangered Species Act is being slowly stripped and downgraded by the current administration. But my research showed that despite years of political back‑and‑forth over wolf protections, gray wolves are currently listed as endangered in most of the United States, including all of New England. Sanctuaries like Wolf Hollow continue to play an important role in education and conservation.

A February 10, 2022 federal court ruling reinstated ESA protections for most wolf populations after a previous nationwide delisting attempt. The 2026 USFWS update confirms that this protection remains in place.

Putting the Trip on Pause — Not Canceling It

So once again, my quest for a wolf portrait has to be delayed — but I’m not giving up. I’m just sidelining it for a bit until I can get all my ducks in a row.

Moose on the Loose- A WMEO Breaking News Alert

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We interrupt your regularly scheduled scrolling to bring you this Breaking Wildlife News Alert.

🚨 WMEO 9 BREAKING NEWS ALERT — Moose on the Loose in Queensbury, NY🚨

Dateline: Queensbury, New York As if rabid beavers weren’t enough for the Adirondack region this week, WMEO 9 is now tracking a young moose tearing down a residential street in Queensbury — and yes, we have video.

A young moose races down a paved road in Queensbury, New York, walking past a vehicle. The moose is mid‑stride with trees and greenery in the background, creating a clear wildlife‑on‑the‑road scene.

Residents reported a “large, fast, and extremely confused” moose galloping past mailboxes, lawn flamingos, and at least one inflatable pool toy. The animal appeared healthy, energetic, and fully committed to whatever mission it was on.

Local officials are reminding the public to give moose plenty of space, avoid approaching, and absolutely do not attempt to interview it for WMEO.

Banner is reportedly shouting,

“THIS IS NOT A DRILL — THAT IS A LOT OF ANTLERS.”

Balboa has taken shelter under the WMEO news desk and is refusing to come out until the moose situation has been downgraded from “chaotic” to “mildly concerning.”

Moose still at large — Balboa remains under desk.”

This Has been a WMEO 9 Breaking News Update WMEO — We Meow, You Listen.

More updates as the WMEO newsroom continues monitoring this developing wildlife saga.

 

End of bulletin. Please resume your regularly scheduled scrolling.

WMEO Breaking News Alert: Rabid Beaver at Lake George

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Now from the feline news desk at WMEO 9 — We Meow, You Listen — we bring you the latest update on the rabid beaver situation in beautiful Lake George, NY.

Dateline: Turtle Island, Lake George, New York The WMEO newsroom is issuing an urgent wildlife safety alert after a rabid beaver attacked swimmers on July 4th. The victims fought off the animal and were transported for hospital treatment, including post‑exposure rabies shots.

A dead beaver was later recovered . The beaver subsequently tested positive for rabies.

Story credit: WPTZ NewsChannel 5.

Rabid beavers are extremely rare. Cape Cod has had rabid raccoons in the past, and officials believe this beaver may have contracted rabies from a raccoon. Rare doesn’t mean impossible — and this incident is a reminder that wildlife can behave unpredictably when sick.

WMEO Newsroom Reaction

Banner’s Response

Banner immediately leapt onto the anchor desk, puffed up like a tiny orange emergency beacon, and announced:

“I knew beavers were suspicious! This is why I don’t swim. Water is plotting things.”

He then attempted to draw a “danger map” of Lake George using a paw dipped in tuna juice. It was… interpretive at best.

Balboa’s Response

Balboa froze mid‑snack, eyes wide, tail tucked, and whispered:

“Rabid… beavers? Deborah, I’m staying inside forever. I’ll just live in my box.”

He checked the WMEO garden cam three times to ensure no beavers were approaching the house.

WMEO Safety Bulletin

While the newsroom cats are spiraling, here’s the real takeaway:

  • Never approach wildlife, even if it looks calm or curious.
  • Leave swimming animals alone — especially if they’re behaving strangely.
  • Report unusual or aggressive behavior to local authorities.
  • Rabies is fatal if untreated, so post‑exposure shots are essential.
  • Any mammal can carry rabies, even species we don’t normally associate with it.

Nature is beautiful — but it’s also wild, and sometimes dangerous.

WMEO Closing Note

Banner has issued a formal statement demanding “protective floaties for all cats.” Balboa has requested “a beaver‑free perimeter around Turtle Island.” Both requests have been denied.

Stay safe out there, friends. Respect wildlife. And remember: if a beaver starts swimming toward you with purpose… exit the water immediately.

A beaver swimming in calm water with its wet head and upper body visible above the surface, surrounded by ripples and floating leaves.

End of bulletin. Please resume your regularly scheduled scrolling.

This has been a WMEO 9 New Update!

 

The Reality Behind the Shot- Wildlife Photography Tales

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A large brown bear moves through dense autumn foliage, its head visible among branches covered in bright orange leaves.

The Truth About Wildlife Photography (As Told by a T‑Shirt)

Red fox baby on MondayEvery once in a while, something comes along that perfectly sums up an entire hobby. For wildlife photography, it isn’t a dramatic eagle shot or a fox leaping through golden light — it’s a T‑shirt. A T‑shirt that insists photography is simply “being in the right place at the right time”… followed by a dozen more “right” things, from the lens to the batteries to the background to the angle. It’s funny because it’s true, and every wildlife photographer knows it.

Why This T‑Shirt Gets It Right

People love to say, “Wow, you must have been lucky to get that shot.” Luck plays a part, sure, but it’s the smallest slice of the pie. Wildlife photography is mostly patience, persistence, and a willingness to stand in uncomfortable places for long stretches of time while your subject does absolutely nothing. It’s waiting for the light to cooperate, adjusting settings on the fly, and hoping your batteries don’t die at the exact moment a squirrel finally decides to pose. (Click Here for my squirrel Story)

The wildlife itself adds a whole extra layer of unpredictability. Animals don’t care about your perfect composition or your carefully chosen lens. They wander off, turn around, hide behind rocks, or stare at you like you’re interrupting their day. Sometimes they give you the “I might charge you” look, and suddenly the shot doesn’t seem quite so important anymore.

And yet, we keep doing it. Because every once in a while, everything lines up — the light, the moment, the subject, the settings, the batteries, and your own stubborn determination. You get the shot that makes all the waiting, sweating, freezing, and gear‑lugging worth it. (Having the right gear is very helpful too)

That’s why this T‑shirt is so perfect. It doesn’t glamorize wildlife photography. It doesn’t pretend it’s easy. It simply tells the truth with a wink: it takes a whole lot more than being in the right place at the right time. It takes all the “right” things coming together at once — and a photographer who’s willing to chase them.

Disclosure:

Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you decide to buy something through them, I may receive a small commission — it helps support the site and my photography adventures, at no extra cost to you. Team Arounddustyroads thanks you

 

International Tiger Day was July 29

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A white tiger lies on the ground surrounded by green grass and plants. Its mouth is wide open in a big yawn, showing its teeth and tongue. A large rock sits behind it, and part of a concrete surface is visible, suggesting a zoo or wildlife enclosure.

Rare White Tiger- Photo Credit Deb Neumann

Yesterday was International Tiger Day and I’m pleased to announce that great strides are still being made in Tiger conservation. India still set the bar for conservation success with roughly 75% od the world’s tiger population residing in India. The country’s long-running conservation program, Project Tiger, now protects 58 reserves across 18 states.

Worldwide, wild tiger estimates now range between 3,700 and 5,600, depending on survey methods.

Why This Matters

Tigers are keystone predators. When they thrive:

  • Forests stay healthier
  • Prey populations stay balanced
  • Water sources stay protected
  • Carbon storage increases

Saving tigers means saving entire ecosystems.

🧡 The Roar Continues

Lets Celebrate International Tiger Day as a reminder that the tiger comeback remains one of the strongest conservation success stories on Earth — a reminder that when science, community leadership, and cultural respect work together, nature rebounds.

Photo Credit Deb Neumann