Bob Cat, Living Desert State Park, Carlsbad, New Mexico

* This is the second appearance of the Bob Cat here at Flora and Fauna, the first was from the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo, Fort Wayne, Indiana. 

Mexican Wolf, Living Desert State Park, Carlsbad, New Mexico

The Mexican Wolf, according to the signage is the smallest, rarest, and most genetically distinct subspecies of gray wolves.  According to the docent we chatted with, the Living Desert State Park has only males in their population.

There is an article about this gray wolf at Wikipedia, as always use care and verify the facts.  Interestingly enough when I googled Mexican Wolf I found this editorial/article that was posted only hours prior.  I do not know how long the link will be good, and I make no representation that the facts are as represented, just making it known.  US Fish and Wildlife site about the wolf is here.

Pronghorn, Living Desert State Park, Carlsbad, New Mexico

These are fascinating creatures, the signage told us they are the fastest American land mammal, they can run at speeds up to 70 MPH.  They can leap 20 feet, but, interestingly, cannot jump over a fence and will crawl under it instead. Their eyesight is something else too, as they can spot movement over 4 miles away.  Amazing!

Elk, Living Desert State Park, Carlsbad, New Mexico

Living Desert State Park, Carlsbad, New Mexico.  The staff told us that these 2 girls (top photo, either side of the dude with the rack) just do not seem to be all that impressed with his top knot.

But, look at the size of that rack, Reflections is impressed!  But, I sure wish they would have turned around and looked at us!  LOL

Thorns, Ohhhh Ouch!

Thorns, from ?? tree/bush.  I will have to try to find the name.  This grows in the climate of the Chichuahuan Desert, photographed at the Living Desert State Park, Carlsbad, New Mexico.

I sure don't want to argue with this bush while hiking.  Those thorns could easily make a good needle for sewing, I'll bet they would penetrate deer hide.

The Prickly Pear

Revisiting George Washington Carver National Monument, Stone Wall

I am going to stretch the scope of Flora and Fauna here, to stone walls, because I thought they were wonderful, and, of course, since it is my sandbox here at Reflections, (or should that be my stone wall?), I get to stretch the scope when I feel like it! 

Besides, there are trees and leaves and grass, and a winter setting sun.  When I look at the second photo I am filled with a sense of peace, how about you?