From Bears To Bison Non-profit Wildlife Expeditions is an educational outreach program of Teton Science Schools. The nature pros provide year-round wildlife viewing and natural history interpretation for families interested in a close-up, and ethical view of the Greater Yellowstone eco-system’s resident animal population. Experienced biologists share their knowledge and use their skills to locate elk, deer, moose, bison, bighorn sheep, wolves and bears set against the backdrop of the towering Teton Mountains. Contact: 1-877-404-6626; www.TetonScience.org.
Sand Hill Cranes. Among the oldest living birds on the planet, Sand Hill cranes are the stars of a migration celebration that takes place each year along Nebraska’s Platte River near Kearney. Recognized for their song , identifiable up to a half mile away and the brilliant red that crowns their head, the graceful birds are known to ride thermals at an altitude of several thousand feet and to travel from as far away as Mexico to Siberia. Each year, as many as 500,000 Sand Hill cranes return to the shallow river and sandbars that dot the Platte river valley. From March 5-April 10, 2010, the Audubon Sanctuary offers expert guided field trips and blinds for up-close photography. The festival takes place March 17-20, 2012. Contact: www.audubon.org; http://nebraskacranefestival.org
Alligators. It is estimated that Florida is home to more than 1.25 million gators. Swamps, lakes and canals provide a natural habitat for the reptiles. Your most reliable opportunity to see them in the wild is within or near Everglades National Park, a World Heritage site and the largest sub-tropical wilderness in the U.S. Bike, car and tram tours are available. It is wise to be cautious in alligator country as the large and powerful creatures can appear slow and sleepy and can virtually disappear in as little as one foot of water. Contact: www.sharkvalleytramtours.com/; www.nps.gov/ever/index.htm
