Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Mountain Caribou" Signed lower center. Original Watercolor on Illustration Board.

Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.

This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood commemorative cover for Balke's Baby Wildlife of the 50 States, postmarked November 11, 1984.

It is spring in the Washington wilderness and tender young Caribou calves prance about the countryside, reddish-brown coats glistening prettily in the warm sunshine. A few short weeks ago, these lovely long-legged creatures were born. Within a few hours, they were walking, and within a few days, they were running -- as fast and as gracefully as their mothers. But, despite this freedom of movement, the baby Caribou still needs guidance, and will stay with his mother as autumn leaves fall and through the rigorous winter to come. Devoted to her offspring, the proud cow will spend many hours licking, nudging, bumping and touching her calf -- also looking for him as he becomes more and more curious about the world. Playing games of chase and follow the leader, the growing calf will leap and dash about, sometimes wandering a bit too far from the herd. The anxious mother may then follow in pursuit, identifying her calf by a series of snorts and by scent. Should she sense danger, the cow will resort to an unusual Caribou language consisting of head bobs, grunts and nudges, to urge her beloved baby to safety -- most often the safety of a high ridge or hill. In early spring, however, as the new calving season approaches, the mother Caribou must prepare for her new baby. Her little yearling will be left or driven off to join the main herd and to eventually raise calves of its own.

Image Size: 11 x 13 in.
Overall Size: 18.25 x 20 in.
Unframed.
(B99038)

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