Julia Cook Wildlife

Julia Cook Wildlife wildlife photographer and guide in Wyoming

stop and smell the summer Pika are such fun and challenging little subjects to photograph. They’re incredibly quick and ...
07/23/2026

stop and smell the summer

Pika are such fun and challenging little subjects to photograph. They’re incredibly quick and blend so well into their rocky alpine habitat. I spent yesterday morning watching this busy little guy gather grasses for his winter haypile, sitting quietly with my camera ready so I wouldn’t disturb him. At one point, he climbed onto a burnt log and reached for a tiny summer flower. It was one of those quiet moments that made me appreciate the little things a bit more. Summer goes by so quickly, but the tiny wildflowers tucked between the rocks and the small moments like this are easy reminders to slow down and take it all in.

Taken on NikonUSA Z8 and 400mm 2.8

a retreat to cool waters This is a photo from several years ago, but it is still one of the most unique summer bear enco...
07/19/2026

a retreat to cool waters

This is a photo from several years ago, but it is still one of the most unique summer bear encounters I’ve had. In the middle of the afternoon on a hot summer day, I came around a corner to find a grizzly sitting in the lake. For quite awhile, the bear just sat in the water, occasionally dipping his head underwater clearly enjoying the refreshing water. I’ve seen bears swimming in the lake several times since then, but this encounter still stands out. I think of this bear often on these hot summer days, wondering if he’s still around or ever returns to the lake shore to cool off.

growing up wild together These two black bear cubs were very photogenic subjects as they grazed across a hillside scatte...
07/17/2026

growing up wild together

These two black bear cubs were very photogenic subjects as they grazed across a hillside scattered with wildflowers. While mom almost always had her head down, the cubs curiously looked my way numerous times and posed in the springtime colors. Something about the cinnamon cub stood out to me, especially in this image with the light in its eye and dandelion seeds clingy to its fur. Which cub do you think is cuter?

Taken on NikonUSA z8 and 400mm 2.8

nature isn’t cruel, it’s efficientAfter a bear retreated into the trees from a bison carcass early this spring, three wo...
07/16/2026

nature isn’t cruel, it’s efficient

After a bear retreated into the trees from a bison carcass early this spring, three wolves seized the opportunity to feed. The white wolf is the alpha female of the Wapiti Lake Pack, while the bluish-gray wolf is the alpha male. Watching the pair together was unforgettable as they fed and displayed such raw, natural behavior. Knowing the bear could return at any moment, the wolves tore into the carcass ferociously, staining their muzzles red. Wolves are highly opportunistic feeders, and a winter-killed bison offered the perfect meal. The bear eventually returned and continued to feed, as did many others including bald eagles, coyotes, and ravens. After several days, nothing remained. Every piece of the bison had been consumed and utilized.

Taken on NikonUSA z8 and 400mm 2.8

the sweet smell of summer in the alpine This is probably my favorite photo I’ve captured of a mountain goat from several...
07/13/2026

the sweet smell of summer in the alpine

This is probably my favorite photo I’ve captured of a mountain goat from several years ago. I love spending time in the alpine during the summer; the high elevation provides cooler temperatures and incredible views of the rocky cliffs and grassy meadows below. This particular goat was grazing alone across an open slope that was almost completely yellow from the blooming wildflowers. As the wind blew it tugged at the goat’s shaggy fur, even pulling a few loose strands away.

250 of America the beautiful One of the things I love most about America is that those before us chose to protect so muc...
07/04/2026

250 of America the beautiful

One of the things I love most about America is that those before us chose to protect so much of it. The fact that grizzly bears still roam wilderness peaks and bison still graze the same valleys they have for thousands of years is something I don’t take for granted.

Our national parks and public lands are one of America’s greatest ideas. I’m incredibly grateful to the generations before who had the wisdom to protect these places before they disappeared for good. In a time when so much can divide us, I hope we can be united by the love for America’s public lands, wildlife, and undeniable natural beauty.

250 years is only a moment in the life of a wild landscape. Protecting the public lands and wildlife that belong to all of us is how we ensure they’ll still be here 250 years from now.

Happy Fourth of July, and thank you to all who have served and continue to serve our country.

1. Bald Eagle in Wyoming
2. Bull bison in Yellowstone
3. Grizzly bear in Wyoming
4. Black footed ferret in Wyoming
5. Bull elk in Colorado
6. Brown bear and sockeye salmon in Alaska
7. Black wolf in Yellowstone
8. Pronghorn in Wyoming
9. Black bear cub in Montana

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Winnipeg, MB

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