WILDLIFE FIRST PLACE Shoulder surfer (mountain goat) Beartooth Mountains Ken Conger | Columbus, Montana Canon EOS R3; 1/250 sec, f/4.5, ISO 2000 I explore the Beartooth Mountains several times every year in hopes of discovering wildlife photo opportunities. After locating a herd of mountain goats in July, I watched for hours amidst the breathtaking beauty of the heart of the range. The precious moment when the playful kid mountain goat scaled new heights atop its mother's steadfast back was what I was hoping for. A field of wildflowers served as the foreground, showcasing the unwavering bond and resilience of these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. The ambivalent mother was patient as the delightful scene unfolded. This heartwarming moment was one of my favorite images of the year which encapsulates the harmonious bond between parent and kid. 6 | February 2024