Weasel

It's a bit strange to say that I've had a good year for mustelids. Sleek, fast and pretty darn elusive, species from that family aren't what I'd typically call cooperative photo subjects.

I recently returned from a couple weeks in Yellowstone and the Tetons, where I had a couple of otter and badger sightings (not as common in autumn). More importantly, I was pleased to have my best weasel encounters to date.

This was the first, up on the Beartooth Highway beyond Yellowstone's northeast entrance. I received a tip that weasels like to hunt for pikas there. Despite what I felt were long odds, I thought it was worth a trip. I was pleased enough with the pika photography. The colorful boulders and lichens in this particular area make for a great setting. However, I wasn't really expecting to luck into the weasel I came for. Wouldn't you know it... within a few minutes of our arrival, I spied a slender, bounding brown shape darting among the rocks.

It was curious enough to pass close to me, and even paused long enough for me to fire off a few shots from a sitting position before it sprinted away.

Canon 1DX
Canon 500mm f/4 IS + 1.4x TC
ISO 800
1/1250th
f/7.1
Hand-held

By the way, I have just finalized a couple of Yellowstone tours for winter and spring. If you are interested in joining me, more info is available here.

Max