I took a last-minute trip to Chiricahua National Monument to hunt around for black bears and snakes before they wind down for the winter. The weather was perfect for them but discovered that my favorite wildlife viewing areas were covered in ash and temporarily destroyed by the Horseshoe 2 Fire. The loose soil made it difficult to trek thru and most of the park was very dry. I saw some tracks and scat of a mother bear and cubs that were there recently. My timing was terrible as I kept seeing new tracks and fresh scat when I returned from back to the area. In my efforts, I spotted two rock rattlesnakes in the park. I would've walked right by one of them if it didn't rattle as their gray bodies and black bands blended in with the ash so well, if made me believe that they might actaully benefit from the aftermath of the fire.

Nonetheless, I saw some sandhill cranes flying over head when I was entering the park and decided to take photos of them outside near Willcox before heading home. I managed to also spot a Mexican Hognosed Snake and a gray fox that was too quick for a pic. I also ended up meeting and being a tour guide an old couple from CA who were dissatisified with Chiricahua as well and wanted to see some wildlife, so they accompanied me to see the cranes and hognosed snake. I'll post the photos soon.