Wild Moms and babies
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A young gray wolf pup licks its mother's mouth to encourage her to produce a meal from her stomach. Scientific name: Canis lupusLocation: Wyoming Copyright: © Erwin and Peggy Bauer AGPix ID: AGPix_EranPeBa18_0283.jpg Photo Alignment: 35mm (vertical) Comments: Wolf families form strong bonds and are composed of the alpha male and alpha female, which are the only pair to breed. Other family members help raise the young pups. The wolf reintroduction into Yellowstone National Park has been a resounding success with many packs now occupying the park. Their hunting keeps the prey species strong by eliminating the weak and old. They are often seen by park visitors along the Lamar River. |
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A red fox kit nuzzles its mother, urging her to regurgitate food. Scientific name: Vulpes fulvaLocation: Minnesota Copyright: © Erwin and Peggy Bauer AGPix ID: AGPix_EranPeBa18_0281.jpg Photo Alignment: 35mm (horizontal) Comments: Red fox families, like others in the canine family, are successful because both parents cooperate in raising the young. Fox kits are extremely aggressive among one another and a hierarchy that will remain, once established, is set very early. Here a kit nuzzles its mother hoping she will regurgitate food. |
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A cougar mother and her cub form a close bond. Scientific name: Felis concolorLocation: Montana Copyright: © Erwin and Peggy Bauer AGPix ID: AGPix_EranPeBa18_0280.jpg Photo Alignment: 35mm (horizontal) Comments: A cougar mother may give birth at any time during the year, but a spring birth will probably have the best outcome since there is an abundance young prey animals available at this time. The spotted ball of fur will mature into a large, powerful cat capable of bringing down even deer that weigh as much as the cat itself. |
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A mother grizzly bear chastizes her cub, which seems to defy her instructions. Scientific name: Ursus arctos horribilisLocation: Alaska Copyright: © Erwin and Peggy Bauer AGPix ID: AGPix_EranPeBa18_0276.jpg Photo Alignment: 35mm (horizontal) Comments: Grizzly bears invest an enormous amount of time and energy in raising a cub. They are with her for several years and during that time she must teach them all that grizzly bears must know to survive. There is plenty of time for play but lessons must be learned and when they are not, mom's displeasure is made plain. |
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A Red Fox mother (vixen) returns to the den and to the waiting pup. Scientific name: Vulpes fulvaLocation: Montana Copyright: © Erwin and Peggy Bauer AGPix ID: AGPix_EranPeBa18_0269.jpg Photo Alignment: 35mm (vertical) Comments: Both parents help raise the Red Fox pups born in early spring. The pups venture from the den to play and feed when about a month old. Favorite foods include Hares, Rabbits, Mice, insects, birds, turtles, berries; a wide variety that ensures something edible will normally be found. This wily animal has no winter den, but endures winter in the open. It can, but would rather not, swim. It is native to some islands including Kodiak and Newfoundland. |
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A mother Cougar (Mountain Lion, Puma, Catamount) licks her cub as it lies on her back. Scientific name: Felis concolorLocation: Montana Rocky Mountains Copyright: © Erwin and Peggy Bauer AGPix ID: AGPix_EranPeBa18_0105.jpg Photo Alignment: 35mm (horizontal) Comments: The large geographical range of this cat accounts for its many common names. But no matter where it lives, the Cougar mom is solicitous of its cubs, grooming and feeding them until they reach adulthood. |
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Grizzly Bear mothers are often very tender with their young, and careful that their great bulk causes no harm. As lenient as they may be with their young, such patience does not extend to an intruder. Scientific name: Ursus arctosCopyright: © Erwin and Peggy Bauer AGPix ID: AGPix_EranPeBa18_0125.jpg Photo Alignment: 35mm (horizontal) Comments: Grizzly Bear mothers are among the most aggressively protective of their cubs as any species. Even a small perceived threat is enough to send her into a rage. Any person or animal would be wise to stay a safe distance from this touchy mom. |
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The very large Grizzly Bear mother keeps her two cubs close. One especially, tends to wander off and could get into trouble. Scientific name: Ursus arctosCopyright: © Erwin and Peggy Bauer AGPix ID: AGPix_EranPeBa18_0123.jpg Photo Alignment: 35mm (vertical) Comments: Grizzly Bear mothers are strict disciplinarians, requiring quick and complete compliance. This is part of the learning process, and cubs have a lot to learn before they venture out on their own. |
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The Adelie Penguin parent feeds its chicks with regurgitated seafood. Both parents share this duty. Location: AntarcticaCopyright: © Erwin and Peggy Bauer AGPix ID: AGPix_EranPeBa18_0065.jpg Photo Alignment: 35mm (horizontal) Comments: It is not possbile to distinguish the male and female parents of the Adelie chicks. Both are attentive and take turns feeding themselves and returning with more food for the ravenous young. |
