We are surrounded by beauty, magic and connection on a daily basis here at Earthfire. The native land on which we reside. The majestic Teton Mountains to our east. The iconic Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem of which we are a part. The wild ones we work with and the connections we form with wildlife and nature—it’s all incredible and deeply gratifying work. Our hope is that by sharing the intimate stories of our animals and our heartfelt mission, you will be inspired to protect habitat in your area—no matter where you are in the world. Wildlife and nature need habitat to flourish.
Essentially a working ranch, Earthfire presents unique challenges, as well as rich rewards. Our most recent reward was the spring awakening of bear brothers Ramble and Bramble, always a joyful experience. Animal care staff are handing out crisp heads of romaine and fresh greens as their bellies rouse from a sporadic winter slumber. With the last of the snow finally gone and the bears finally fully awake, we reopened their expansive gardens—and were instantly rewarded by the unmistakable splash of a delighted Bramble in his pond.
Runoff has begun in the Tetons as our abnormally warm winter turns into an abnormally warm spring. While there is still snow above the alpine, warming temperatures have already filled the stream beds, and it will not be long before they run dry. Our hopes of having irrigation water this spring are also running dry, as it’s likely the runoff will be gone long before we receive permission to open our ditches. Still, it is lovely to watch spring overtake the land, birthing tiny yellow flowers and fresh green buds.
Spring clean-up of the ranch is in full force, and we are finally through the mating season of our canids. We’ve spent the last two months with hormone season, making the animals a bit testy. Then suddenly it’s over, and our loving and affectionate wolves, coyotes, and foxes return to us.
Finally, the ground squirrels have returned from their winter hibernation, boldly pilfering from both the chickens and even the bears (fortune, as they say, favors the bold). They grow more plump every day. No doubt by the time they disappear again, they will hardly be able to fit through their den holes.
And so it goes… As we move ahead, there will be more trials and tribulations. More joy and more reward. We hope you will join us in celebrating them.