Distinctly Montana Magazine

W W W. D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA N A . C O M 33 HOW MANY, IF ANY, OF THE SIX DEAD DOWNSTREAM WERE THE DIRECT RESULT OF THE COYOTES? I jumped out of the coach to photograph, the clients declined. I tried to shake the thought that I was photographing number seven. After a few long-distance photographs, I remembered the snowshoe trail we had made the day before and set off down the hard- packed trail in the waning light to document the struggle for survival. I could hear his labored breathing and see his nostrils flaring with effort. He used his head like a battering ram against the ice, but he was unable to break through. By now he had been in the icy water for nearly 20 minutes and he was tiring. His thick fur was icing up in the cold. e ravens abruptly got noisy as if they were telegraphing the soon arrival of a seventh carcass. e bison determinedly kept trying to break though the ice and come ashore directly, but it looked hopeless, he was losing the battle. I knew if he turned and swam downstream 100 yards he could come ashore easily like the bison had the day before. What if I moved closer, would my unwelcome presence move him downstream to safety? It was late and I was alone with six dead carcasses, a drowning bison, and ravens loudly publicizing the whole ordeal. I had forgotten my bear spray and I was a bit jumpy, especially when I heard a twig snap. It was Daniel, my friend, my colleague and my driver. He had decided to join me in an act of support. We agreed my idea was worth a try. We moved directly towards the fatiguing bull, and he immediately turned away, swam downstream, gained his footing and slowly labored up and out of the river and stood dripping and ex- hausted in the cold. Dan and I cheered and then held our breath, waiting for the old guy to summon up the energy to shake. Finally, he tentatively shook just his head and then his whole body more vigorously a few seconds later. Walking in the trail the other bison took, he disappeared into the trees. SOLAR FOR LIFE THE CLEAN ENERGY SOLUTION FOR HOME & BUSINESS Harness energy from the sun to reduce and stabilize your energy costs for decades at prices less than you currently pay. • Offset up to 100% of annual electrical consumption by net-metering solar electricity back to the grid • Become energy self-sufficient by adding batteries and buffering yourself from grid instability or the high cost of running grid power to remote locations • Let the sun power your commute by using solar energy to offset the energy used by your electric vehicle • Contribute to a more secure electrical grid in Montana by generating cost-effective, clean electricity in your community info@onsiteenergyinc.com | 406 551 6135 619 North Church Avenue, Bozeman, MT 59715

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