Pike and I hiked out a 4.5 mi. loop trail that goes to a very nice overlook of upper Looking Glass Creek, (named after Nez Perce Chief Looking Glass).
Got an early start in the cool morning air:
![Plant Dog Natural landscape Terrestrial plant Land lot]()
Found some spring water along the way:
![Plant Dog Carnivore Natural landscape Dog breed]()
I saw Pike alert to something and snapped a quick photo of him:
![Plant Dog Carnivore Dog breed Tree]()
At the base of the tree, above, there appeared to be a ball of fur. I thought it was a dead animal, as it was not moving. I approached it to poke with my hiking stick. Got within about ten feet and it moved, turning toward me. It was the largest badger I had ever seen, a large, mature male. My first thought was Pike. He lunged at it, growling loudly, but kept his a distance. I began backing up quickly and calling Pike to me. The badger squared-up and Pike kept lunging toward it. I got about 50' back and with Pike just in front of me. The badger turned and waddled into the underbrush. We headed down the trail. I was unable to get a photo of it as this all happened in seconds and I just did not think to get the camera up into action.
This could have ended very differently if Pike had not displayed good trail discipline and devotion to me. He did not go after the badger, but planted himself between me and the badger. As long as it stayed back, everything was cool. Good boy!!
Whew, we went on to the rim. Steep ground:
![Cloud Sky Plant Plant community Mountain]()
Pike got some water:
![Plant Dog Dog breed Natural landscape Tree]()
Took in the view:
![Plant Dog Plant community Dog breed Carnivore]()
Nice hike for both of us and a little side adventure, for both of us.
Got an early start in the cool morning air:
Found some spring water along the way:
I saw Pike alert to something and snapped a quick photo of him:
At the base of the tree, above, there appeared to be a ball of fur. I thought it was a dead animal, as it was not moving. I approached it to poke with my hiking stick. Got within about ten feet and it moved, turning toward me. It was the largest badger I had ever seen, a large, mature male. My first thought was Pike. He lunged at it, growling loudly, but kept his a distance. I began backing up quickly and calling Pike to me. The badger squared-up and Pike kept lunging toward it. I got about 50' back and with Pike just in front of me. The badger turned and waddled into the underbrush. We headed down the trail. I was unable to get a photo of it as this all happened in seconds and I just did not think to get the camera up into action.
This could have ended very differently if Pike had not displayed good trail discipline and devotion to me. He did not go after the badger, but planted himself between me and the badger. As long as it stayed back, everything was cool. Good boy!!
Whew, we went on to the rim. Steep ground:
Pike got some water:
Took in the view:
Nice hike for both of us and a little side adventure, for both of us.
Good thing you and Pike had your wits about you and didn't tangle with the badger!
