Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON
If you're wondering where this shot was taken, let me give you a clue. Yes, we have snowmobiles in Australia. But no, we don't have caribou. So you're thinking I took this shot when I was in the Yukon last year? Yep, you're right.
This was taken on the picturesque Coal Road outside Whitehorse and even though there was a cool breeze blowing off the mountains that were capped with the previous season's snow, there was brilliant sunshine on the autumn foliage all around me.
But here's a grammatical question. Does the sign apply to the caribou, as in the command "Caribou, stay on trail"? No, it takes a second or two for my brain to realise the command is for us humans, as in "Take it easy, mate, there are caribou here - so it's safer if you stay on the track."
Yup. I knew that.
Check out the rules at Camera Critters or go to Misty Dawn.
If only Caribou and moose could read!
ReplyDeleteSo if it is meant for us humans...... does that mean caribou are dangerous & we are to take it as a warning not to go near them? Didn't know they were feisty animals.
ReplyDeleteahah!
ReplyDeleteAnother good reason for developing contact lenses for animals, so that they can read the signs.
ReplyDeleteThey obviously haven't read 'Eats shoots and leaves' by Lyn Truss.
ReplyDeleteNeat picture. In Arkansas we have no caribou or moose.
ReplyDeleteHowever, we transplanted a heard of elk along our National preserved Buffalo River.
Once prevalent, elk virtually disappeared. The transplantation has flourished and now we have similar signs for elk, just as we have for deer.
We have lots of black bear, too.
Last I checked none can read....
Now, I wonder if those caribou read these signs and stay on the trails...
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear the sign is for the snow mobilers. I didn't think Caribou could read.
ReplyDeleteI assume that snowmobiles have to be accompanied by a responsible adult? Just in case they can't read either.
ReplyDeleteTax dollars at work - signs for caribou.
ReplyDeleteAn Arkies Musings
Perhaps it's to tell the snowmobile drivers that around there, the caribou have learned to stay on the trails, therefore, the snowmobiles must be used off-trail?
ReplyDeleteOr perhaps it means that both snowmobiles AND caribou have to stay on the trail?
I give up. Is there a book of rules hanging behind that sign? LOL!
i'll admit my first thought was to wonder if the caribou could read...yeah...i knew that. really.
ReplyDeleteHave to wonder who made the sign. Then I wonder if they read it and I wonder if the person putting up the sign read it....... I am assuming these folks can read.
ReplyDeleteThe English teacher in me said the sign was understated at best. :)
ReplyDeleteI love finds like this so many thanks David!
great great signs sandy
ReplyDeleteI like to think it's trying to be bossy to the caribou. ;o)
ReplyDeleteWonderful image, always love your take on Camera Critters.
ReplyDeleteI think only language professors or people who have shown proficiency in language skills should be allowed to make signs. But then I guess the signs wouldn't start conversations.
ReplyDeleteYou got enough photos in the Yukon for a lifetime!
We took part in KEep wildlife Wild Weekend at Mt. Rainier yesterday. One of the visitors described a sign they had seen elsewhere where, instead of addressing the humans with "Do not feed the animals." the animals were addressed with "The humans will try to offer you food. Do not take it, as it is bad for you.".
ReplyDeleteVery intelligent things these Caribou. Obviously they don't want to pay a fine.
ReplyDeleteTook me a minute to process what they were trying to express also.
ReplyDeleteI apologize for not being around lately... life has gotten away from me (i.e. tornado, death in my family, death in my husband's family, hay season, working three jobs). I feel like I'm on a roller coaster ride.