Wild animals. We love ‘em – at least when they’re not trying to eat us.
Certainly one of the reasons we camp, whether we realize it or not, is to get closer to animals.
My favorite wild animal encounter from a filmmaking perspective is well documented in that beloved heart-warming American classic, The Goat Incident. Rocky mountain goats are always good filmmaking fodder.
My least favorite animal encounter were the ants in Malibu. Not only did that snobby campground cost $100 a night, it was jam packed with ants. The staff garners the inglorious recognition of being the rudest we’ve encountered in North America. Maybe all those ants put everyone in a bad mood?
What about bears, you ask? We’ve seen our share of bears (black and brown) in Yellowstone, Glacier, and Waterton parks. Seeing a bear is always a thrill, especially when you survive.
We’ve seen sea lions in Oregon, seals in Northern California, dolphins in Florida, moose in Wyoming, and lounge lizards in Los Angeles.
But for our “wildest” animal encounter, I’m pointing to the road-crossing tarantula in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Think about it. When have you seen a TARANTULA in the wild? For me, this was a new one. And yet — there it was, crossing the road.
What about you?
Have you had any interesting wild animal encounters?
Can you top a tarantula?
Let’s hear it!
Absolutely can top that one, I saw a grizzly catch and eat a salmon in at the Fish Creek bear viewing area in Hyder Alaska. I even have some low quality video taken with a digital camera. I’d post it here if that was an option, but I’m trying to start my own blog at some point, once I have enough time on my hands.
Nope. But we have a most interesting story about a pack rat . Seems the little bugger was keen on M&M Peanuts. So one night we put some out. Gone in the morning but in place of the M&M’s were some spectacular looking moon stones. (seems they give something and take something)
So on the next night we set up to film the little creature. What we got was a surpise.
As we watched sure enough here comes (Lets call him Harry) hopping in to recon the M&Ms. Suddenly harry freezes. We at this point are wondering if he was spooked and if so why. Not long after we found out.
A unfrindly rattle snake had bee also in wait for Harry to return to the M&M’s (funny thing was we thought it was a stick )
Now Harry was not too keen on the idea of having this old boy around.. and suddenly its like they are off to the bull fights .. the action was on. Harry the pack rat actually taunted the Rattler, twisting and truning around till the snake was all mixed up…
Suddenly Harry got hit by the rattler… and we though our little friend was history….. but harry had a surprise .. he acted like a duck in water off its back… and kept on taunting the rattler until it left.
Harry went scurring around the camp… we believe looking for more rattlesnakes… after a period of time he returned with more moonstones and took his prized M&Ms (leaving the brown ones.. go figure)
Interesting. The next morning… we had no less than 5 rattle snakes around the area that we filmed Harry the night before… Talk about agressive. You couldn’t go out in camp without getting one to rattle up.
We left that day for a different desert camp.
That night we heard noises from under the trailer till suddenly it all stopped and was quiet again.
Next day we took to the road… stopping for gas… when all the sudden everyone started screaming. Their coming out of the back of the trailer under pinning was a 3 foot long rattle snake. It contained a big lump almost in the middle. The gas station mechanic came out and with a special long set of fingers caught the snake and set it free around back.
We asked about more .. after we told him about harry and the action we had seen. He said that Harry probably was the lump in the snake.. as it and the snake , harry being on the menu, got into the underpenning of the trailer and rode along with us.
Needless to say we watched where we stepped for the next few days around the trailer, examining all the nooks and crannies for some of its relations. We found none.
But, from now on… no more M&Ms for the wild life… seems they want to take up residence with you if you feed ’em.
by the way when we were in NM , taos, at the pow wow… a lot of people were picking tarantulas up and letting them walk all over. Seems that they hardly never bite a human. I held one in my hand and they have such a soft touch. The ranger rick guy said that they, wildlife, should not be handled as they have a protective bacteria protecting them…that our skin oil can kill.. and thus they will end up dead. At the ranger rick show that night he also suggested that we check anything left outdoors for scorpions… (little bastards about the size of a 50 cent piece and green/yellow/brown in color) As those will nail you and send you on a trip to see alice and the cat playground. (one reassureing thing … he said… so far no one has died from being stung by one… great news huh)
Sure enough we found a couple inside some shoes and sox.. and a coffee cup… that were left out.
The desert is ALIVE….
The worst fear I have….miffing the X off …when she has a cast iron frying pan…in hand… ouch thats going to hurt.
Well, not sure about topping your Tarantula sitting; but recently while camping at Petit Jean State Park in Arkansas, we had a unique visit from a skunk. We have seen lots of wildlife and had a few chances to see the animals up close, but this was one that I really wanted to view from a distance. The unique part of the skunks visit is that somewhere he had gotten into some trash and there was a yogurt cup stuck on his head. The poor skunk had no clue where it was walking and bumped into a couple of trees before stretching out just a few feet from our RV and picnic table. I was afraid that the skunk was having trouble breathing with the cup on its head; but I was faced with a dilemma, either try and remove the cup and get sprayed or let it lay there and see what happens. I was actually more afraid of being bitten than sprayed; but it was too hard to see it just laying there. I sent the family in the camper and was trying to figure out what to use, when two people from the park clean-up crew drove past. I waved them down to get their help. One of the guys grabbed a broom and slowly walked toward the skunk, which seemed a lot more alert suddenly. I really didn’t imagine a good outcome; but the park worker was able to “sweep” the cup off the skunks head. I’m not sure who jumped higher, but the skunk raised his tail and slowing walked off into the woods. This was about the best scenario I could have hoped for, the skunk was ok and we were left with fresh air for the rest of our camping trip. The incident also served as a lesson for my family about properly disposing of trash and the impact it can have. But I do wish the skunk would have picked the campsite of the person who left the yogurt cup out instead of mine.
Thanks bearskin, and yes I agree that a CLOSE encounter with a grizzly may indeed top a tarantula. However, our rules committee demands that that you get as close to the bear as I did to the spider. Bonus points are awarded if there are any cubs in the area. (ha ha)
We have seen a few bears in our travels, mostly in the Yellowstone & Glacier parks. Oh, and we’ve seen a few wolves too (the wolf currently outranks the bear in the Yellowstone food chain!). Maybe I will do a reedit of this video to include some of these animals.
Anyway, thanks for taking the time to comment, and best of luck with your blog! Come tell us when you get that bear video posted. 😀
LOL GMAs…. you sound like me, always breaking out the camera to film these furry fellows.
That is a great story about “Harry and the rattlesnakes” (which, by the way, would also make a fine country / western band name). Wow, a 3-foot rattler! That’s a little scary.
I must say that we haven’t seen too many snakes in our camping trips. In fact, snakes have been underrepresented. I have never seen a rattlesnake in the wild. That’s probably a good thing.
While I concede that the tarantula wasnot the most dangerous creature we’ve encountered, it’s probably the “wildest” in terms of being the most unusual. I’m about 40 years old. In all of this time, I’ve only seen one wild tarantula — and thankfully I did have my camera handy. I have a feeling that I may never see another wild tarantula. Note that Kristy never even exited the truck, ha ha.
Scorpions? Oddly enough, we have small scorpions at our home in Alabama. They are about an inch long, and yes they do have stingers. They are hardy little creatures (tough to kill) and they do occasionally invade the house. I rarely go barefoot indoors, partially for this reason. I’ve come close to stepping on ’em barefoot…. I’m told the sting is not unlike a bee sting, but it seems like it would be worse. If nothing else, the start would cause my heart to skip a beat.
LOL PowellMJ, I am picturing the skunk with a yogurt cup on its head. That certainly poses a dilemma for you and the skunk! Glad to hear that all was resolved without smelly incident. Who knows… maybe the skunk realized that you all were doing him a favor.
I suppose we’ve never seen a skunk on our travels. I guess if we had seen a skunk, we would remember it!
I might also point out that the porcupine in the video was my first and only porcupine sighting. Maybe they are commonplace animals in Maine, but I had never seen one before.
I don’t know if it tops it but when I was a young lad we were vacationing in western Maryland and happened to step on a snake. At the time I didn’t know what it was I just knew it moved when I stepped on it. Come to find out a couple days later it was a den of copper heads.
I’m just glad I didn’t get bit! That’s mine.
Ya know Sean I just had to take a peek back at some of the older entries man! The opening one of you starting off was just great! I can’t tell you how many times I have watched that but I never seem to get enough and, I don’t know why. I think I like the older ones better they seem a little lighter if ya get my drift.
I still love everything the both of you produce and can’t wait for you two to get back on the road.Tome to hook up with camping world and have them do reviews of stuff for them. That way we can get some swag headed your way!
We’ve seen our share of critters on this trip. Thankfully no scary encouters. Most are like this little guy we saw today at Olympic National Park –
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3533/3918010426_bf88dce430_b.jpg
Scariest encounter I’ve ever had was a mountain lion outside of Nelson B.C. Canada 10 years ago. My buddy and I were a little lost and the lion starred us down for several minutes in the woods before moving on.
Thanks Matt! First of all, with regard to snakes, we have had great luck. A few months ago Kristy had a close enoucnter with a large black racer snake, but they are pretty harmless (definitely scared the beejeezus out of my wife though, lol).
Now, with regard to the early video entries, I know what you mean. I think there’s a spirit and “freshness” to some of those videos that’s endearing. The funny thing is, from a production standpoint they were pretty low rent. But they were a lot of fun to make, and I think my enthusiasm translated to the screen. Plus, one could make a good argument that more “raw” footage is appropriate for the Internet. In other words, even if the production gets a little slicker and more professional, that doesn’t make it better.
I am trying to build a good library of video content. The official “Long Long Honeymoon” episodes are more complex, while these “Campfire Questions” are more informal. Hmmmm, maybe I should just mix ’em all together and see what happens… 😀
Scott, that is a great photo! Your photography is outstanding…. You have inspired me to get that zoom lens.
With regard to the mountain lion, that’s one animal I have NEVER seen in the wild. In fact, I daresay it may top a tarantula! The reason being that the mountain lion could have you for lunch…
You are probably fortunate that you had a friend with you. Someone once told me that if you see a mountain lion in the wild, it’s really a worrisome sign…. because there’s a good chance it’s stalking you! Scary indeed.
Sean…
The new canon D11 is coming out… you should take a look at it as a backup camera… we just got some from work and wow… great as I can take some sideshots and have them downloaded right into the video mix direct… not only does it do stills but 30 fper… so you can clip in video with sound.
I gave it to the X to try out .. and she came back with a lot of adult rated stuff … you know.. hey lets see if it works in the shower… needless to say I took the sim out of it.. grin… miffed her off as she was bankng on getting some of it to the media.. too… oh well… foiled again…
As you progress in the industry you will find that your first were fun and the last were work… 😀 but that is the way it goes… and you are adding more features to your work all the time. Soon you will find that you can’t run the show and film it at the same time… as your too loaded with action… go figure.. huh 😉 😉
Then comes the assistant to the camera guy who carries all the junk out to set it up while the op is working with the director to find out how he wants to run the show…
Oh ya then you need a script writer so you can keep things on time and track due to the bean counter… who writes the checks… what you don’t have one of them ??
then you need a set /location manager who sets up the places and makes the contacts where your going to film…
… and then…
A attorney to tell you if your legal to film where you want to without paying for it… actually you pay him to tell you if you need to pay them… 🙂
We won’t even get into the actors… and all the problems you can have with ’em… like the weather… some days its good others.. well just stay in bed… 😀
In all the first ones of point and shoot were fun… and as you can see it does get complex as you get more professional and noted…
GMAs, I just ordered a Panasonic DMC-TS1 waterproof camera for backup on rainy days (literally). It shoots 720p 30 fps, is WATERPROOF up to 10-feet deep, and is small enough to fit into a pocket. Maybe the best thing about it, in addition to being waterproof, is that it’s so small — it will be our “stealth” camera! It’s funny, but I am pretty excited about it. Getting new toys is the best part of this video production stuff.
I looked at the Canon D10 because I really prefer the image quality of Canon cams… but the D10 only shoots standard def. With the 720p of the TS1 I can easily edit together with our other HD cams. Maybe the D11 is the successor? If Canon puts out a sleek HD cam I will look closely.
The more I do video production & film making, the more I understand why those Hollywood productions cost so much money. What I have attempted to do is produce “better than expected” quality on a shoestring budget. I’ve cobbled together the equipment over time, and there’s been a learning process of the past couple of years.
Now I feel it’s time to take it to the next level — whatever that may mean. In the short term, it probably means DVD production, but in the long term, it could mean TV. I need one of those fancy Hollywood agents…
I like your line about “your first were fun, but your last were work” – so true! 😀
Here’s an unusual one… As a boy scout at camp in Oklahoma, we were walking through the woods to our next merit badge class and saw something disturbing the brush. We snuck up on it to discover a slow moving armadillo! We were so quiet since we had never seen one so close and watched it waddle along the ground. Suddenly, one of us stepped on a stick and made a loud crack sound. The armadillo sprang up and hopped away like a rabbit! I never thought they could move so fast but to our surprise, he was out of site in seconds.
An armadillo is a good one!
Strangely enough, we have armadillos near our home in Alabama. We don’t see them often, but on rare occasions they wander through the back yard (digging up the lawn as they go). It’s always a treat to see one. Ironically, we’ve never seen them while camping!