Readers’ wildlife photos

August 11, 2025 • 8:15 am

Today we have photos from reader Paul Handford highlighting the mammals of British Columbia. Paul’s captions and IDs are indented, and you can enlarge his photos (copyrighted) by clicking on them.

Here are few mammals from s.c. BC— Kamloops area, often from our back yard or local trails.

Bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis), from the valley of the South Thompson River:

American black bear (Ursus americanus), from our back yard:

Yellow-pine chipmunk (Neotamias amoenus), Kenna Cartwright Park:

American red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus), Dallas-Barnhartvale Nature Park:

A few coyote shots (Canis latrans), from Dallas-Barhartvale Nature Park:

. . . and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus)  from our back yard:

16 thoughts on “Readers’ wildlife photos”

  1. Thanks Paul. What a great mug of the black bear in your back yard. Do you have to be careful about after-dinner walks around the neighborhood?

    1. In our neighbourhood at least, black bears were pretty keen to avoid humans— the primary worry was encountering a sow with cubs, or worse, meeting a cub without seeing the sow! Bears would be in the yard often, especially when there’s fruit on the apple trees or soopalallie (Shepherdia canadensis) bushes.

  2. Magnificent animals … I heard wolves are around the size of bears, is that true? The coyote looks dog-size

    …a hint of snow – yikes, wasn’t ready for that!

  3. What an amazing assortment of animals to be seen from one’s backyard or nearby! The chipmunks are my favorite. Thank you!

  4. A fine backyard! What is it about chipmunks and squirrels that is so appealing (cute)?

  6. These photos are so exciting. That closeup of the black bear’s face is incredible.
    What a neighbor to have.
    That coyote tail is gorgeous. So is the coyote. I see ones around here in San Diego and they are scrappy.
    I love these photos. Thanks.

    1. No kidding. These are the healthiest coyotes I’ve seen in years. That muley is quite the specimen, too. The wildlife in your neighborhood are really thriving! Thank you, Paul.

  8. Excellent photos, thanks for sharing these!

    Could you please comment on your equipment? Thanks.

    1. All but the final shot of the mule deer buck were taken with a Canon EOS 90D, using a 100-400mm zoom lens (1:4.5-5.6 L IS II USM). All shots hand-held (the vibration-damping techno is amazing— never used a tripod.)

      1. Thanks! I also love the image-stabilizing feature of my system. Truly amazing for someone who grew up with film. And adjustable ISO as well.

  12. adorable…the coyote appears to be posing for the pictures, and so healthy and good looking!

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