Gulo gulo for Carl & Ron
by Mark ~ October 26th, 2009. Filed under: nature photography, wildlife.Earlier this year, there was some banter back and forth between fellow photographers Carl Donohue and Ron Niebrugge about being able to photograph a wolverine. I read with interest as I would have liked to see one of them get a shot of one. Heck, both of these guys have spent more time in the wilderness than I’ll ever see. So at best, I was watching as a bystander to see how this turned out. Seems the stakes were pretty high, Ron already offering up dinner and what not, putting his phone number out there, probably even wrote it on a few bathroom walls. People were dressing up as wolverines on his front lawn trying to lure this elusive creature into focal range. Carl was resorting to resurrection attempts. What would they try next?
Well, you know where this is headed… One day on the skiff looking for bear activity in Kinak Bay, in Katmai, we spotted a dark animal cruising a distant shoreline. Our captain motored the skiff slowly towards the shore to attempt to identify what this critter was. It wasn’t a wolf, coyote or fox…and it was moving quick. It wasn’t long before most everyone realized what it was. I believe it was a first time sighting for everyone on the skiff. Little did I know I was now a contender in this little contest!
So please guys, do not put a salmon in my backpack if I ever go to Katmai again. But photos are for sharing right? I present to you Gulo gulo…
Gulo Gulo
Gulo gulo butt shot
Now these are pretty severe crops that will probably never make it anywhere beyond this posting…. but a photo is a photo right? We never did get that close. No one had any disclaimers about quality, especially if skull pictures were being put into the foray. I put forth that this Detroit guy brought some good karma to you Alaskans, and gulo gulo will be knocking on your door soon. If that happens, someone owes me dinner! :-)
October 27th, 2009 at
Shoot, I can’t make out the adamantium claws in either shot… ;^D
- Jack
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October 27th, 2009 at
Wow Mark, that is amazing! Just seeing this animal would make my year. That is really cool – and a very funny write up!
The problem with my whole offer is now anyone who takes a photo of a wolverine emails it to me – long after the fact.
Fun post Mark, thanks,
Ron
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October 27th, 2009 at
Amusing story. Wolverines have a pretty nasty reputation don’t they.
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October 27th, 2009 at
Looks like you made it in just a bit shy of the finish line!
Great shots, Mark. The important thing is that you got them, regardless of the crop!
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October 27th, 2009 at
What a lucky sighting. We have them living around us and I’ve never seen one. Nor do I know anyone that’s seen one. Way to go!
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October 27th, 2009 at
Whoo hoo!! What a treat to see one!
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October 28th, 2009 at
Too cool. I’ve yet to see one. They’re tough critters to find let alone photograph. Congrats!
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October 28th, 2009 at
There is much to be said for being at the right place at the right time. Congrats on the catch. But I think I just saw where my Nittany Lions thrashed a whole bunch of Wolverines last Saturday! ;^)
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October 28th, 2009 at
lol – funny story. Great that you could see them
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October 28th, 2009 at
Hey Mark,
So, so cool, man. I can’t tell you how awesome that is, but you already know. You better be careful next time you venture this far north, buddy .. 2 photographers up here might kill you.
Seriously, great stuff, thanks for posting .. I’ve been dying to see the shots since you told me about it.
Ron, I’m sure you’re just being inundated with photos of wolverines – your inbox must be overflowing, eh?
Congrats Mark.
Cheers
Carl
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October 28th, 2009 at
Thanks everyone.
Ron – glad you liked this one.
Carl – I figured the next time I come up there, I had better bring a wolverine along with me just to be safe.
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October 30th, 2009 at
Whoa! That is not a critter with a friendly face. Congratulations on the your photos. Don’t you think it would have been a little over the top, it you had gotten perfect shots the first time out? In that case, you might have needed police protection from the other photogrpahers “in the hunt”. At any rate, these are quite impressive. I’m glad you were at a safe distance.
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Mark Reply:
October 31st, 2009 at
Thanks Anita. I don’t think I have ever seen a photo of a smiling wolverine. Most images look quite menacing. They don’t exactly have a reputation for a sunny disposition.
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November 3rd, 2009 at
No they certainly don’t have a good reputation! Very funny post though, and good photos nonetheless!! I got to see my first pine marten the other day, but alas, my job doesn’t quite allow me to carry a camera and lens!
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