Marty’s photo of the day #4788: In the summer, I move my office/writing room out to the front porch, which allows me to gaze out at the top level of the Essen Wildlife Refuge. I also have a motion-sensing camera that is roughly 100 yards straight out from the house. It doesn’t surprise me when that camera picks up coyotes, foxes, and deer. What does surprise me is how well big animals, like moose and elk, are able to “hide out,” practically right in front of my eyes. I have yet to see this young elk and her companion, even though they have spent several days grazing near the camera.

It also tells me that I should never doubt our dog, Nellie, when she calls out, “Dad! Dad! There’s a bigfoot behind that tree!”