Intelligence of Animals

$1,087.50

Dates:
February 8-12

Location:
Lamar Buffalo Ranch

Meals Included?:
No

Instructors:
George Bumann, M.S.

Audience Type:
Adult

Program Type:
Field Seminars

Program Subject:
Wildlife

Sold out: Please sign up for the waitlist.

What is the raven’s word for eagle? How does a wolf know when to give up the chase? How do animals pass on information through time? Delve into these and other questions of animal intelligence by directly observing Yellowstone’s winter wildlife. You’ll learn to decipher body language, behavior, and vocalizations for clues to help you more finely tune into your surroundings. Watch how different species interact with each other and their environment. And consider how this information applies to other species – including those you may know from home.

Program Itinerary

The itinerary is designed to take advantage of the best opportunities in the park, but may be adjusted to adapt to weather conditions, wildlife activity, holidays, and road construction. The details and timing of the agenda are subject to change. For more information see the Course Letter below.

Day 1
Participants are welcome to check into the Lamar Buffalo Ranch starting at 4:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m. Meet & Greet, Introduction to Lamar Buffalo Ranch and course specifics.
Days 2-4 Animal Interpretations
Early mornings will be spent in the field looking for wildlife. Afterward, participants will return to the ranch for breakfast, discussions, and free time. After lunch students will then again be in the field watching wildlife and going for hikes. Evenings will be spent with evening programs.
Day 5 Check out by 9:00 a.m.

About the Instructor

George Bumann, M.S., can draw, sculpt, and teach about all aspects of Yellowstone. He has a degree in wildlife ecology and works as a professional artist and educator. His art and writing have appeared in popular and scientific publications, and his sculptures can be found in collections throughout the United States and abroad.

George helped us tune in to the messages behind the song of the birds and the direction the pronghorns were looking. — Summer 2021 student

Download Program Information:

Course Letter

More Information:

Lodging | Audience Descriptions

We are continually updating and refining our COVID-19 mitigation measures to ensure the health and safety our guests, staff and volunteers. Read our COVID-19 guidelines for program participants.

SUMMER ACTIVITY LEVEL SCALE

Be prepared to hike up to 1 mile per day, comfortably, through relatively flat terrain on maintained trails.
Be prepared to hike up to 3 miles per day, comfortably, with elevation gains up to 600 feet. Some off-trail hiking possible.
Be prepared to hike up to 5 miles per day, comfortably, with occasional elevation gains up to 1000 feet in undulating terrain.
Be prepared to hike up to 8 miles per day, at a brisk pace, comfortably, with climbs up to 1500 feet on dirt trails. Loose rocks, uneven footing, and off-trail hiking are possible. Good coordination is recommended.
Be prepared for brisk aerobic, destination-oriented hiking up to 12 miles a day. You should be physically conditioned to do these hikes comfortably. Elevation changes up to 2000 feet on dirt trails or off-trail. Loose rock, uneven footing, steep hillside traverses, and stream crossings are possible. Good coordination is required.

WINTER ACTIVITY LEVEL SCALE

Leisurely hikes up to 1 mile per day through relatively flat terrain on maintained or snow-packed trails.
Hikes on snow-packed trails, or snowshoe or ski trips, up to 3 miles per day with climbs up to 250 feet.
Brisk hiking, snowshoeing, or skiing up to 5 miles per day with climbs up to 500 feet, including some trail-breaking in snow.
Brisk aerobic snowshoeing or skiing up to 8 miles per day with climbs up to 1000 feet; or steep, rugged, off-trail skiing or snowshoeing—including breaking trail in variable snow conditions.
Brisk aerobic snowshoeing or skiing up to 12 miles per day with climbs up to 1500 feet; or steep, rugged, off-trail skiing or snowshoeing—including breaking trail in variable snow conditions.