Wildlife photographers often capture some of the most beautiful images in the media. It is such a specialized profession that the Natural History Museum in London even has an award for Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Their job is to capture animals in the wild telling stories about their behavior.
Then there are trail cams, places around nature reserves to capture animals more candidly. These are used to monitor movement and even catch poachers. They're even used to get close to dangerous animals. Sometimes the pics are messy, other times they're majestic, and sometimes, they're plain hilarious. Here is a collection of them you'll surely enjoy!
About To Paint The Town... Deer?
This deer must be one of the smartest in its herd. While most deer use their antlers to compete with others for food or the affections of another deer, this one has put it to even better use, clearing away pollution left behind by humans.
While humans are prone to error, this is the kind of mistake that could be detrimental to the ecosystem these creatures live in. It's unclear what is in that barrel, but unless it's water or confetti, chances are it's dangerous to the animals. Thankfully, this Mighty Deer is here to save the day.
Catching A Ride To My Homies
Fun Fact: If you google the term raccoon gangster, a bunch of T-Shirts themed around those two words will appear. Those shirts were probably inspired by a raccoon similar to the one in the picture. While it seems pretty gangster for this raccoon to be hitching a ride on this boar, experts think this picture means a lot more.
Some experts believe that this raccoon and boar are working together to get to the corn feeder. It's unconfirmed whether the endeavor was successful since this is the only image of this scenario. But one thing is for sure; this raccoon is better off than his buddy in the yonder distance.
I'm Looking For A Date To The Met Gala
The Met Gala is an event synonymous with eye-catching costumes and extravagant hats. The event is a renowned fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute in New York City. The event was started in 1948 and is regarded as the jewel on the city's social calendar.
It's also attended by the who's who of the rich and famous. Bambi over here even found her best tumbleweed hat to wear to the prestigious event. The only thing missing is a date and a little Gucci dress, just like Posh Spice. She's bound to be the most glamorous deer at the ball!
The Bear Necessities
You're most likely singing along to that Jungle Book classic since you've read the title for this item. But it's hard not to imagine this bear singing that song while roaming around the woods looking for a snack. It is also hard not to believe this bear making a snack out of a photographer.
That's why we should be thankful for trail cams, for capturing images of these majestic Grizzly bears in the wild without putting anyone's lives in danger. It's important to remember that not everyone is Leonardo DiCaprio from The Revenant. There are about 55,000 of these bears scattered across North America.
Now Come On... Vogue!
The term deer in the headlight originates from the '80s and stems from the fact that deer will freeze when they look into the headlights of oncoming cars. In turn, this has, become an expression used to describe someone that's panicked and indecisive at the same time.
While these deer aren't caught in headlights, they appear to know that someone or something is watching them. Maybe they gathered in a flash mob and, or perhaps they're trying to model for the cover of National Geographic, which would be like the cover of Vogue. Someone should really create trail video cameras to catch them in the act.
Stop! It's Otter Time.
This could so easily be mistaken for an image of one of those mystical creatures that are featured on the popular show Animal X. The show ran for two seasons and showcased some mysterious animals, animal behavior, and unexplained mythical creatures.
This, of course, contains none of that. This is just an otter who went to get himself a midnight snack. In fact, this isn't abnormal behavior, especially for North American river otters, who do most of their hunting at night, where they can stalk fish, crayfish, and the other delights they like to eat.
He's Not Trying To Do What We Think He's Up To, Is He?
A glance at this image makes it look like this owl is trying to catch this deer for its dinner. While they're capable of eating some pretty large prey, including osprey and sizeable fish, we doubt this owl would even get this deer off the ground.
They're not even vying for the same prey since deer are herbivores. Maybe they're just going in the same direction with the owl going for a smaller game like a rodent or reptile or something. Owls are renowned for hunting at night, which is the only time they can see properly.
WrestleMania Main Event
The bald eagle is a symbol of honesty and truth. That's why it's been the national bird of the United States of America since 1782. It's also a pretty formidable predator and strong animal. It's difficult to fathom any bird, or animal for that matter, picking a fight with a bald eagle.
Well, there is one that could be a match—the golden eagle. Although slightly smaller than the bald, the golden eagle is renowned for its tenacity, ferocity, and killing of prey. It's believed that because of this, a golden eagle may actually win in a fight with a bald eagle.
Come Flying Off The Top Rope
Like a high-flying wrestler in WWE, this flying squirrel is looking to get the drop on this deer with some high-flying maneuvers. They don't actually fly, though. It's more of a glide facilitated by a membrane running from the wrist to the ankle on each side.
They are omnivores who hunt at night and eat anything from spiders to bugs, seeds, plants, and even bird eggs. They can fly up to 300 feet and can catch bugs and flying insects mid-flight, which require near expert timing and calculation. They are also kept as pocket pets by some people.
Just Keep It Natural Guys
While trail cams have revolutionized the way wildlife photography is taken, it's also about a 50/50 chance of getting a good shot. This is because the snap is entirely left to chance that perhaps someone or something would trigger the camera to take a picture with the correct elements in the field of view.
The result? Sometimes you see a raccoon trying to capture a selfie with his backup deer dancers in the background. Raccoons are renowned for being intelligent and curious, and it's not surprising that this one found the trail map and potentially set up the backdrop for the photo as well.
Come And Get Me, You Fox!
While raccoons are renowned for being smart and inquisitive, foxes are considered the same in hunting and outwitting prey. Part of their prey list is small raccoons. As you can see in the image, this battle of the wits has resulted in the raccoon taking solace in a dilapidated car.
It's no doubt that these two will be using their full mental capacity to try and outwit one another. At least the fox isn't at a complete loss if it doesn't catch this raccoon. They are omnivores, after all, and can make do with some berries and fruits or even earthworms.
One Tequila, Two Tequila, Three Tequila, Floor...
Although renowned for their cleverness, raccoons are also a nuisance and are notorious for breaking into people's homes and raiding cabinets and refrigerators for food. Sometimes, they even find the liquor cabinet, but do they have a few swigs?
There are plenty of stories about that exact scenario, including video evidence of one breaking into a liquor store and trying to get to the top shelf (where all the good stuff is). There is footage of this animal actually drinking booze, though, and it's not for lack of ability since they have the skill to open a bottle.
The Pleasures Of Being A Mother
There is nothing more satisfying to a mother than knowing that her babies are warm and fed. It's the same with foxes as it is with human mothers. That is probably why this mother looks so satisfied with her young ones sucking on her and finding sustenance.
In fact, a scientific study of human mothers proved that particularly in the first month after giving birth, there is a high amount of satisfaction that comes from breastfeeding a baby. It's most likely no different for fox mothers. After about a month, these babies will be done with suckling and would be weaned off from their mother's breasts.
The King Of The What?
In a rare instance of nature flipping the script, a buffalo and a wild cat are actually getting along. Of course, it helps that this wild cat isn't a big cat, because buffalo is a menu item for lions. Simba doesn't have it all on his own way, though.
A buffalo is more than capable of defending itself against a lion. This is why the supposed king of the jungle never attacks it head-on and usually has to wear down the buffalo before going for the killer blow. It's also worth noting that lions don't live in the jungle; they live in the savannah.
One On One And I'll Take You Both
Sometimes you have to wonder just how good raw deer tastes. There must be something to it, considering that this coyote is willing to take on two of them just to get a smidgen of a taste. It's even stranger since coyotes aren't actually picky eaters.
They eat anything from squirrels to rodents, fish, frogs, snakes, and even fruits. In fact, deer are the very last thing they have on their menu. Deer are also herbivores, so maybe they were planning on the same tuft of grass this coyote was eyeballing. That is enough to start a fight in the animal kingdom.
Extreeeeeeme Close Up
Talk about getting up close and personal. While trail cams are perfect for capturing photos of a scene without human assistance, they don't do as good a job of staying hidden. While there are methods to keeping them in obscurity, some curious animals are always bound to find them.
This photo is a perfect example of an animal that could tell something foreign is in its locality, but it just didn't know what it actually does. Otherwise, it would have taken a step back and posed for the next cover of National Geographic.
Ladies And Gentlemen Of The Jungle, Meet Your King!
This, dear reader, is the real king of the jungle. This is because tigers actually live in the jungle, unlike lions, who live in the savannah. But there is more to it than that. According to most zoologists, the tiger would be the king of the savannah, too, even with lions there.
It is widely believed that a tiger would defeat a lion in head-to-head combat. It will also pretty much take out any other large predator, which is why it gets the mud bath, the traditional spoil of every animal king, like the hippo and elephant.
Family Dinner At Big Momma's House
As with every family unit, there's nothing like a good meal to bring everyone together. This is still a pretty scary family portrait, though, because if a herd of deer looked back at us with glowing eyes like that, we'd be running to the hills.
But that shine has less to do with supernatural powers and more to do with superhuman night vision. It is theorized that deer have fantastic night vision, mostly due to their oval pupils and a film acting as a mirror, hence the glow. This was illustrated to hilarious effect in the Netflix show Sweet Tooth.
An Escape Plan
We wonder: Is this a continuation of the battle of the wits witnessed earlier by that old, dilapidated car? If yes, then it looks like the raccoon won that battle. Of course, the fox won't give up that easily. But by the look of it, this is the raccoon's major trump card.
He must be glad he can climb trees because it gives him another option to escape. At least that would work if a dog was chasing him. What this raccoon may or may not have discovered, is that it is being chased by a fox who, unlike dogs, can climb trees.
Just A Couple Of Friends Fooling Around
Okay so, are we the only ones trying to figure out why precisely a raccoon and a deer would get into a fight? Apparently, it's a thing. Because they could end up eating in the same place, raccoons are renowned for scaring deer off. This is despite their size difference.
Raccoons tend to have the upper hand, although, in this fight, it's the deer that appears to be winning. Could it be that the raccoon tried to snatch one of its fawns? It is said that deer babies or fawns are prey to several smaller carnivorous animals, including raccoons.
Look Who Found The Camera
Either this is a bizarre clown or a peculiar forest because those things don't exactly go together. Come to think of it, not even Pennywise the Dancing Clown from Stephen King's IT loved hanging around in the forest. He is, of course, not the only horror movie clown.
There are several films based on clowns as the antagonist, and the list includes Terrifier, All Hallows' Eve, Clown, and 100 Years. Clowns are a horror movie fan favorite, which must have something to do with the fact that, despite their popularity, many people, both adults, and children, are afraid of them.
You Can Cut The Tension With A Knife
Okay, so things are looking pretty ominous for this rabbit at the moment. It doesn't even have a clue that the lynx is lurking in the shadows. What's worse, the camera makes it look brighter than it actually seems, so the poor bunny may not even see anything if it turned around.
But the rabbit does have a trick up its sleeve, and it's all in their ears. You see, not only is their hearing super sensitive, but they also hear a sound from any direction by simply turning an ear in any given direction. So there is a chance that the rabbit did survive this encounter.
Deer And Deer Are Sitting In A Tree...
Well, now, this is romantic! And these two are actually putting on a show for the camera, looking like they're creating the perfect post for a magazine centerfold. This isn't a fluke either, and deer are actually renowned for their public displays of affection.
It's not uncommon for deer to lick each other, especially around the neck and shoulder area. It also is a way of showing one another some love, although they also do it to remove surface-dwelling insects and parasites. Of course, keeping the ones you love clean is also caring for them.
You're Sitting In My Spot
Like Sheldon Cooper in The Big Bang Theory, this eagle has taken exception to the fact that the other one has taken his spot. This altercation appears to be between a harpy eagle and a golden eagle. While the golden eagle could take the fight against this harpy, it seems the harpy uses its weight to its advantage.
In terms of weight, the harpy is one of the top dogs and is widely regarded as one of the world's most fearsome. Some of its favorite foods are sloths and small monkeys, and it also has a talon claw bigger than that of a grizzly bear.
That's A Fight You Don't Want To Get Into
In the popular series Game Of Thrones, King Robert Baratheon is sent to his grave after being gored by a wild boar. Although he was set up to die, the fact that a boar was used in the story speaks volumes about the reputation of these animals.
Of course, there is Pumbaa, the loveable Disney boar renowned for not being the sharpest tool in the shed. But don't expect a boar to be singing Hakuna Matata if you see one in the wild. It'll more likely take you out than sing a song.
It's Like A Walking Teddy Bear
Grown-up brown bears are one of the fiercest creatures in the world. But when they're cups, they look just like that life-sized teddy bear girls keep on their bed for cuddling. But we doubt you want to risk getting anywhere near these cubs for a cuddle.
That's because mommy will be nearby, with her four-inch claws just waiting to club you upside the head for your stupidity. Bear mothers tend to tree their young to keep them safe from surface predators. But like this one, they are curious and will come down the tree to explore, so just steer clear if you see this scenario.
Who's That Ho Ho-ing In My Lawn?
Unlike the story about the Three Billy Goats Gruff, we doubt there's a garden gnome Santa big enough to knock this grizzly bear over. Then again, there may be a human around with the mind, tools, and bravery to get rid of this wild animal.
Luckily, there are some common strategies to scare bears away if they get too close to the house. That includes clapping or making loud noises, banging together pots and pans, or making yourself as big as possible by waving your arms. Or you can be like the woman who pushed a brown bear off her wall to protect her dogs. Now that's bravery!
Brown Zombie
Okay, so a group of deer staring back with glowing eyes can be explained away. But a raggedy-looking moose with glowing eyes and red antlers? That's witch doctor-level stuff, or it could be a zombie moose apocalypse. Maybe that's an overreaction, though.
The moose is a member of the deer family, but it is also the most unique. It's the largest, for starters, and has open-hand shaped antlers, unlike regular deer with bony-type antlers. They are commonly found in Maine, the home state of the king of horror novels Stephen King. We wonder if he has a zombie moose novel up his sleeve.
Chug, Chug, Chug, Chug
Maybe this is why the raccoon in the previously mentioned video was raiding the liquor store in the previous item. He probably wanted to rain some tequila on his gangster raccoon buddies, making him the life of the game reserve party. But that's actually a bird feeder he's raiding.
Nevertheless, it's raining something, and his friends are eternally grateful, it seems, gobbling up the seeds that have fallen to the ground. He must be the smartest one of the lot, though, since he is the one who found a way to open the feeder. Here's just hoping the others keep some grub for him...
The Supreme Athlete
Deer aren't just scared little creatures who freeze up in the headlights of a car. They are one of the most athletic in the wild as well. In fact, their athletic feats are so impressive; we wonder how they ever get caught by predators at all.
They can run up to 30 miles per hour and can also jump up to eight feet high. But besides speed, they can also move quickly and evade predators in a split second. In an ideal world, this deer is telling a story about how he escaped a lion... with actions. But in reality, he probably knows something his friends do not.