We went out this morning at AM as usual and headed to a different area called "Black Pine" that is southeast of the house.  We went to several different areas with snowmobiles, but there just isn't enough snow to find tracks.  Some of the snow has melted today in the sun, so tomorrow is questionable.  It looks as though we will go back to the ranch where we were on Monday (where we found the kittens).  They would like to collar the mom of those kittens, and there are other lions in that area.  It's privately owned and there is no hunting allowed.  Because of this, many prey animals live in this area making it prime territory for predators.  We hope, of course, to spot a track in the morning, but that will depend on the conditions tomorrow. Snow was predicted for tonight, so we'll have to wait and see.  It is a long trip to get there - maybe 1 1/2 hours - but it will be worth it if there's snow!
Although there were no lions today I have several photos! I've added some photos to the "additional photos" page.  There are some that the other teacher who is here from East Greenwich took.  Thought you'd like to see another "big cat"!  The photos of the adult female we collared on Wednesday are on the additional photos page. Click here for additional photos page or link to it from the home page.
There are lots more photos to see and stories to tell.  If we get a cat tomorrow I'll try to post photos - but it's almost time to pack up all this gear and head back east. .  I'm looking forward to seeing everyone when I get home.  GMS Green Team - I hope you've had a great week.  See you all on Monday!   Mrs. Ripley
 
 
 

	The day starts before sunrise. Remember we're in the west,  so sunrise doesn't happen until a few hours later than in RI.  The dogs didn't get to run trails today, but they did get to walk a bit to stretch their legs.
	There are 3 snowmobiles and this  4 wheeler. On the back you can see a "dog box".  When we went into the Sawtooth Forest yesterday, for example, two of the dogs rode in the dog box on the back of this machine. It's much faster and the dogs can save their energy for the long run!
	While we were waiting for the snowmobiles to return, we kept moving to stay warm.  There was a great volleyball game in the snow (remind me to tell you about that one!), we walked around, and took some photos.  While we were near the trucks, a group of horses that graze on this land stopped to see us.
	While we were walking, someone pointed out this ant mound.  Out of curiosity we dug into it - it was covered with straw and soil - and found the ants.
	They are hard to see in this photo, but the dark brown/blackish spots are ants.  They are much larger than the ones we're used to!  When we were finished, we tucked them back in for the rest of their winter hibernation.