The sense of sight is one of the strongest for humans. I challenge you to use your ears. Next time you have a “quiet” moment; close your eyes and listen for some of our wild neighbors. Spring in Jackson Hole is a cacophony of mating sounds. Last night I heard boreal chorus frogs (Pseudacris maculata) for the first time in 2012. The recent warm temperatures and light rain got these tiny frogs into the mating mood. Chorus frogs mating call is like running your finger nail over the teeth of a comb. Just this week I have heard the songs of Yellow-headed Blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus). Yellow-headed Blackbirds have a harsh song to the human ear but to their ears it must be highly romantic. Most of the vocalizations are produced by our avian neighbors but not all. Personally, I am yet to see a bear this season. Soon we will hear the roar of courting bruin pairs. Listen closely and keep your distance from the bruins of Jackson Hole. We don’t want to become another bear horror story or statistic.
