Watch with vigilant eyes and listen with open ears. The sights and sounds of wild creatures surround you, even in the very heart of town. What wild ones, you say? Chipmunks, marmots, hummingbirds, chickadees and eagles, coyotes, cougars and big horn sheep, to name only a few. Did I mention black bears? Or elk? The wild ones are among us, day and night, and they are welcome for they are our neighbors and they were here first.A Sight to Behold
While driving or walking the streets and sidewalks of Red River, don't be surprised if a mule deer wanders by, frequently following one of the many time-worn trails that criss-cross the valley floor. In fact, don't be surprised if a small herd of deer cross your path, even in broad daylight. They seldom travel alone and they move with the dignity and grace of an ancient heritage, from a long line of simple beauty that is part of their wild nature.They are fascinating to observe, but keep your distance. While they are gentle creatures, they are always unpredictable and capable of inflicting damage on humans. They have sharp hooves and the antlers of the males can be formidable weapons.
Watch them. Enjoy their beauty but leave them alone. They don't need your help to be wild creatures.
Laguna
Once, long before a town grew up in this narrow mountain valley, the area now occupied by Red River was called laguna, or lagoon, a reference to the many dams and ponds teaming with aquatic life, thanks to an abundance of beaver. These high country landlords created and recreated a paradise for nature's wild creatures.While humans have changed the face of the valley with their own brand of industrious creations, ponds, streams and rivers are still home to the flat-tailed builders of old, though their numbers are far fewer than the days of laguna. Look and listen carefully and you may see them quietly applying their ancient skills. Keep your distance, though, and respect them, for they are wild creatures.
