Waterton Lakes

Waterton Lakes National Park in southwestern Alberta, Canada, is know as the park where the prairie meets the mountains.

Lake Waterton

On our last afternoon at the park, we focused on the prairie. We spotted a coyote which appeared to be feeding on prey, or carrion. As soon as it became aware of our presence, it disappeared into the tall grasses. I moved slowly into the grasses, hoping for a better photo shot. I never saw the coyote again. From the direction the coyote had gone, this young buck Mule Deer came running. He paused briefly to look us over, then disappeared over the side of a bluff.

Mule Deer (Black-tailed Deer)

Mule Deer (Black-tailed Deer)

I would love to leave you in awe of our encounter with this large wild animal, but full disclosure requires that I tell you about the large bucks with the huge racks which we saw early in that morning in Waterton Village. They were resting peacefully in someone's front yard. There were also a couple of does and their fawns grazing about the village. These habituated, semi-tame deer amuse the tourists. Occasionally, the deer also attract a hungry cougar (or mountain lion) looking for easy prey.

Mule Deer (Black-tailed Deer) - in Waterton Village

We stayed at the Prince of Wales Hotel, one of those old park hotels built by the railroads. It is picturesque in its own right, perched atop a glacial bluff and overlooking the lake and mountains.

Prince of Wales Hotel

Hotel Lobby