prairie dogs

Natural Splendour of the Arrow Lakes

/ Peter Klopp / 22 Comments

Wednesday’s Photos

My Friend The Prairie Dog

My wife and I have been camping for about a week at Arrow Lake, where we found relief from the unbearable heat at home. Forest fires are burning again. But we are fortunate this year. None of the BC forest fires are very close to us and do not endanger our little community. While relaxing in the cool breeze, I notice a gopher (prairie dog) cautiously approaching me. As it peered over a log and looked at me for a long time, I quickly got my camera out. Instead of running away it came closer and closer. Obviously, it recognized me as the friendly human from the previous year. After a few minutes, it was posing for a portrait less than a metre away. Enjoy.

Natural Splendour of the Arrow Lakes

/ Peter Klopp / 13 Comments

Wednesday’s Photos

Prairie Dogs Revisited

Last week, I presented a video on the prairie dogs. At that time, they were still shy and a kept a considerable distance from us, the intruders of their territory. One week later, we have become part of their family. Indeed, they have become quite aggressive. They know exactly our mealtimes and demand with a shrill sound that they be fed with the delicacies from our table. Corn, bread crumbs, and tiny morsels of the cinnamon buns at coffee time are their favourites. Our furry friends have excellent table manners and appear to fold their hands in prayer before starting to eat. Upon seeing each other for the first time in the morning, they run and meet halfway and give a quick kiss before parting again. Anyone who thinks I am telling a tall tale should go out into the woods where these critters live and stay long enough. I promise you will make the same observation. They also love playing games, of which peekaboo is their favourite. Enjoy.

Natural Splendour of the Arrow Lakes

/ Peter Klopp / 24 Comments

Wednesday’s Photos

“A picture is worth a thousand words” is an adage in multiple languages meaning that complex and sometimes multiple ideas can be conveyed by a single still image, which conveys its meaning or essence more effectively than a mere verbal description. Wikipedia If this is so, then a video should be worth a million words. To escape the intense summer heat, my wife and I are camping at our son’s property where he set up our travel trailer for the summer. Located directly at the Arrow Lake it is at least 10 degrees cooler than at home. We have been barely a few days at this relaxing place when prairie dogs, very curious rodents by the way, came to visit us and were looking for grub. I took out my camcorder and recorded them. Here is the video. Enjoy.