A few examples of some of Yosemite's abundant wildlife. Thought not known for the big animals like Yellowstone, a diverse array of beautiful creatures inhabit Yosemite and play important roles in its complex ecosystems.
Mergansers fighting over a large crayfish in the Merced River, Yosemite Valley. Copyright, James McGrew ©2011.
As I worked on a commissioned painting of half dome, I found a private location on the Merced River. During my painting session, numerous wild animals went on with their usual routines and managed to get surprisingly close, apparently unconcerned of my presence because I was relatively stationary as I stood at my painting. Most entertaining were these mergansers who hunted for crayfish. Every so often one of them would emerge with a crayfish in its mouth and immediately run away, hotly pursued by the other.
As I worked on a commissioned painting of half dome, I found a private location on the Merced River. During my painting session, numerous wild animals went on with their usual routines and managed to get surprisingly close, apparently unconcerned of my presence because I was relatively stationary as I stood at my painting. Most entertaining were these mergansers who hunted for crayfish. Every so often one of them would emerge with a crayfish in its mouth and immediately run away, hotly pursued by the other.
Mergansers fighting over a large crayfish in the Merced River, Yosemite Valley. Copyright, James McGrew ©2011.
As I worked on a commissioned painting of half dome, I found a private location on the Merced River. During my painting session, numerous wild animals went on with their usual routines and managed to get surprisingly close, apparently unconcerned of my presence because I was relatively stationary as I stood at my painting. Most entertaining were these mergansers who hunted for crayfish. Every so often one of them would emerge with a crayfish in its mouth and immediately run away, hotly pursued by the other.
As I worked on a commissioned painting of half dome, I found a private location on the Merced River. During my painting session, numerous wild animals went on with their usual routines and managed to get surprisingly close, apparently unconcerned of my presence because I was relatively stationary as I stood at my painting. Most entertaining were these mergansers who hunted for crayfish. Every so often one of them would emerge with a crayfish in its mouth and immediately run away, hotly pursued by the other.