The world of a snow leopard is not well known to humans. That is because the habitat of a snow leopard is extremely uninviting. One of the rarest and most elusive animals on earth, the snow leopard lives at high altitudes of the Himalayan Mountains.
The Great Bear Rainforest is one of the last great wildernesses in North America. Located in British Columbia, Canada, the moss-covered forests of the Great Bear are home to some of the world’s most magnificent animals. In these misty forests you’ll find an abundance of wildlife, including bald eagles, moose, wolverines, wolves, black bears, and grizzlies. And if you’re blessed with a bit of luck, you might even catch a glimpse of one of the most unique creatures on earth, the mythical spirit bear.
This morning, I heard a troubling story on the radio. According to the story, rhinos around the world are being killed in record numbers.The story, though sad, did have a hopeful ending. Authorities are stepping up efforts to capture poachers. Recently they began using drones, small unmanned aircraft with infrared cameras, to identify poachers at night when they do most of their hunting. Once spotted, Rangers are given the poachers location so they can address the situation. Ultimately, officials believe the drone strategy will save the lives of many rhinos.
When we traveled to Africa to conduct research for Travels with Gannon & Wyatt Botswana, we came across lions everyday in the Okavango Delta — an old, distinguished male covered in scares from a lifetime of battles, a band of brothers lying around in the shade, a mother resting while and her cubs wrestled nearby, a solo male feasting on a cape buffalo.It was breathtaking to see these magnificent creatures in the wild. Literally, I couldn’t breathe the first time we encountered a pride of lions at close distance. Based on all the lions we came across in Botswana, I would have guessed the species was doing just fine. Truth is, lions are in trouble.
These five inspiring quotes on nature remind us of the importance of the natural world in our lives. So, while you have some time off from school and work this holiday season, get outside and explore. Take a walk in the park, a hike in the mountains, or a stroll down the beach. Watch a sunset, or better yet, a sunrise. Sit at the edge of a pond and observe the refection of the clouds as they move across the water’s surface. Enjoy the sights and sounds provided by mother nature. Let the peacefulness of your surroundings calm you, and don’t forget to leave your devices behind!