After having spent most of the day gradually working my way to the top of Pinal Peak, taking lots of photos, it was time to make the return journey. It had been an absolutely beautiful day without any disturbances from another human being. Nature at its best.
Pinal Peak rises to nearly 8,000 feet, shadowing the formerly busy mining town of Globe, Arizona; its glory days having long past when the bulk of the copper mining operation ceased.
About a third of the way down the mountain I stopped below the majestic canopy of several sycamore trees to take some more photographs when I heard a rustling in the leaves that littered the ground not far away. Much to my surprise, I spotted a usually very shy and reclusive Coatimundi (Nasua narica).
It was a female being followed by five youngsters trying to keep up with their mothers instructions on the search for food. I am relatively certain she was aware of my presence, but didn’t see me as a threat. She went about her business, pawing the leaves here and there, occasionally discovering something palatable.
I did manage to get several photos before the little troupe disappeared into the woods.
Coatimundi in watercolor.
natureartlife 