During my holiday in Menorca, nature once again gave me a wonderful gift: I had the chance to encounter one of the most fascinating creatures of the sea!

Who am I?

I’m the common octopus, more commonly known as the octopus. Fun fact: the French word “pieuvre” didn’t even exist until Victor Hugo coined it in Toilers of the Sea, to describe a sea monster inspired by me!
My real talent is changing color, and even skin texture, in an instant, thanks to special cells, which lets me blend into my surroundings and communicate, a bit like chameleons do. I don’t have a skeleton, which means I can squeeze into pretty much any rocky crevice, even though my outstretched tentacles can reach up to 1 meter long.
I usually get around by walking on my arms, but I can also swim by jet propulsion if I need to flee, or even release a cloud of black ink to escape a predator. And if I lose an arm along the way, no worries, it grows right back!
I hunt mostly at night, catching crabs and shellfish with a venom that paralyzes them, harmless to humans. Moray eels, conger eels, dolphins, and seals are among my predators, but my biggest threat remains humans, who fish for me heavily in the Mediterranean.
I’m also said to be one of the smartest animals in the ocean, capable of solving problems, remembering solutions, and even playing.
My life only lasts between 1 and 2 years, and it ends shortly after reproduction: the female lays several hundred thousand eggs, which she guards until they hatch without eating, before dying of exhaustion. The male, meanwhile, gradually declines after mating.

Where to find me?

You can find me in temperate and tropical waters all around the world, but I’m especially common in the Mediterranean Sea and along the Atlantic coast. I live among rocky reefs and seagrass meadows, from shallow waters down to around 100 metres (330 ft), although I prefer staying close to the shore.
I’m a solitary and territorial animal. I don’t usually tolerate another octopus within about 30 metres (100 ft) of my den, except during the breeding season. The easiest way to find me is to look for the small piles of shells and pebbles I carefully arrange outside my den—I like to keep my home nicely decorated 😉. In fact, it’s often much easier to spot my “house” than to spot me, thanks to my incredible camouflage!
Minorca is known for its posidonia seagrass meadows and is even home to a UNESCO-listed marine reserve in the north. So you’ve got great odds of spotting me on this island. In fact, the photos of me you’ll see here were taken just a few meters from shore, along the beaches of the village of Sant Tomás, over the rocky seabed.

Pachacamac, My Underwater Friend

While snorkeling, my eyes landed on a strange cluster of multicolored pebbles resting on the rocks. Intrigued, I slowly swam closer, and discovered a small cavity, a tentacle peeking out of it, then an eye staring right back at me. Without realizing it, I’d just stumbled upon an octopus’s “home”!

I went back to see her several times and named her Pachacamac, a nod to Tintin and the blazing sun of Menorca 😉. To thank her, I brought her little gifts: beautiful pebbles I had carefully picked up on the beach and placed beside her hideout. A few days later, I was delighted to discover that Pachacamac had taken one of my gifts—a small red pebble—into her home. Apparently, I had chosen well after all 😉.

I even witnessed something both extraordinary and sad when I saw a cloud of ink spreading through the water. Sadly, it was caused by a swimmer who had disturbed her while trying to make her come out of her den… As I spent more time snorkeling, I eventually spotted other “homes” and their occupants, always thanks to their distinctive decorations 😊.

But it was on the last day of my vacation that I finally got the chance to see her in motion. First perched on a rock, then wandering about, calmly walking and swimming, surrounded by fish. Watching her move, change color and shape right before my eyes was simply amazing. What an extraordinary moment!

It was mostly while looking back at my photos that I fully realized just how incredible her ability to transform really is: shifting colors and shapes, sometimes with little spikes appearing on her skin. It’s honestly hard to believe, comparing some of these photos, that it’s the same animal!
Meeting my Pachacamac 😊 was, without a doubt, the highlight of my stay in Menorca. It was an encounter that made me completely fall in love with these incredible creatures.

The post An Encounter with an Octopus: The Fascinating Chameleon of the Sea first appeared on NaturElfes.

Like many people, I have always dreamed of seeing whales. The very first time was from very far away, along the Californian coast — and it was already magical. Since then, I never miss an opportunity to try to spot them and I must say I have been very lucky, having lived extraordinary moments with them around the world 😉.

Humpback whale

Who am I?

I am the humpback whale, famous for my spectacular leaps and my long pectoral fins which can measure up to a third of my body length. I can reach 16 metres long and weigh up to 30 tonnes. Every year I travel thousands of kilometres, from cold nutrient-rich waters to tropical lagoons to give birth and reproduce.

My tail fin, unique like a fingerprint, allows researchers to identify me individually. I also possess a complex song, which can last up to 20 minutes and repeat for hours. This song serves to communicate, attract a mate and mark my territory. I feed mainly on krill and small fish, which I capture using my unique bubble net feeding technique: I blow bubbles in a circle to concentrate my prey before swallowing them in one single motion.

Where to find me?

To spot me, you need to follow my migration routes. Like many whales, I alternate between two zones depending on the season: I spend the summer in the cold, nutrient-rich polar waters, then migrate towards warm tropical waters to reproduce and give birth.

In Polynesia, I can be spotted from July to October, particularly around Rurutu, Moorea and Tahiti. Rurutu is considered one of the best destinations in the world for swimming with me!

In Reunion Island, I follow the west coast between July and September, particularly visible from Saint-Gilles. Boat trips are regularly organised by local operators. In both cases, guided boat excursions remain the best way to encounter me — and sometimes it is me who will come to you 😊! Patience and respect for the environment are essential to experience this magical encounter, and if you truly want this moment to be unforgettable, choose a responsible operator who respects my space and my rhythm.

Moorea, beneath the ocean in song

It was in Moorea, in Polynesia, that I lived one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. A friend had booked an excursion to observe humpback whales and, above all, to swim with them. The sea was rough that day and upon boarding, we were told that getting in the water would not be possible, but that we would at least go and find them. We were observing them from the boat when, against all expectations, the guides announced that we would finally be able to get in the water.

We were out in the open sea and swam for a long time, a difficult effort in that rough sea. I regularly plunged my head underwater to search for them, seeing only deep blue water with no visible bottom. And then, suddenly, I heard an extraordinary sound. It took me a few seconds to realise it was the song of the whales. I cried with joy — I never would have imagined having the chance to hear them sing. I listened to this wonderful song while continuing to search, when I made out two silhouettes rising from the depths, growing more and more imposing.

They finally passed very close to me, a mother and her calf. It was impressive, a little overwhelming, but so beautiful.
I feel truly lucky to have experienced that. And it was not my last encounter with them in Polynesia! At the end of my stay, taking off from Fakarava, I spotted their silhouettes through the window in the turquoise water below — like a final farewell.

Reunion Island, leaps, leaps and more leaps!

It was early September and from the moment we arrived, Reunion Island set the tone for the trip. Barely out of the airport, as we drove along the ocean, I spotted one leaping, then another, then several more!
Throughout the trip, the whales were there every single day, offering countless breathtaking leaps, particularly in the late afternoon from the beach. A spectacle that made every sunset even more magical but far less silent — impossible not to cry out at every jump 😉!

But the most powerful moment was the late afternoon boat excursion departing from Saint-Gilles-les-Bains with Cetasea, a truly respectful whale watching company. The whales were everywhere around us and the sight of them leaping out of the water was simply breathtaking.

And then we experienced one of those moments you never forget — one of them leaped very close to our boat, before heading towards us and passing right underneath. It was impressive and a little dizzying — compared to her, our small boat felt incredibly tiny 😉! A truly extraordinary moment and once again, I couldn’t hold back tears of joy. Reunion Island is an island that had another surprise in store for me — I also had the incredible chance to encounter chameleons there!

Fin Whale

Who am I?

I am the fin whale, the second largest animal on Earth after the blue whale — I can reach 25 metres long and weigh up to 80 tonnes. Slender and fast, I cruise at 35 km/h, which has earned me the nickname “greyhound of the sea”!

Unlike the humpback whale, I am rather discreet — no spectacular leaps from me! But I remain fascinating for my speed, my imposing size and my ability to stay submerged for a long time. I feed mainly on krill and small fish, which I filter through my baleen plates, and I travel great distances to follow schools of food and nutrient-rich currents. I therefore travel often, and my presence in different locations depending on the season offers unique opportunities for unforgettable encounters with me 😊.

Where to find me?

I can be found in many oceans — the North Atlantic, the Pacific and the Indian Ocean. I am a cosmopolitan species that adapts equally well to cold and temperate waters. The Quebec St. Lawrence River is one of the best places in the world to observe me, from June to October. The cold, deep waters of the estuary, rich in krill and small fish, attract me in large numbers every summer.

From the shore, several spots allow you to spot me without even getting on a boat:

• Pointe-Noire in Baie-Sainte-Catherine and Pointe-de-l’Islet in Tadoussac, two unmissable spots at the mouth of the Saguenay fjord.
• Cap-de-Bon-Desir in Bergeronnes, an interpretation centre with a direct view of the river.
• Les Escoumins, the Marine Environment Discovery Centre offering a breathtaking view.

By boat, excursions departing from Tadoussac, Les Bergeronnes and Les Escoumins are world-renowned for the quality of their whale watching. You can also spot me elsewhere in the world, notably in Iceland, Norway or the Azores — destinations renowned for the quality of their cetacean observations. Wherever you are, always choose responsible operators who respect my space.

Quebec, whales from the shore to the open sea

It was during a road trip along the St. Lawrence River in mid-September that I had my very first real encounter with fin whales. I first had the chance to observe them from the shore, at the Pointe-Noire Observation Centre, in Tadoussac and at Cap-de-Bon-Désir. It was incredible to be able to see whales with my feet on solid ground, to watch their blows rising above the water. A magnificent spectacle at any time of day and particularly in the evening. For the St. Lawrence is exceptionally rich in wildlife and watching all this world pass by at sunset is simply magical!

But the most powerful moment remains the zodiac excursion departing from Les Escoumins. There, I experienced a moment of intense emotions — fin whales all around us, watching them dive and resurface… It was my very first real encounter with whales from a boat and I will never forget it.

I returned twice, in July and in October, theoretically the beginning and end of the season. And even though I spotted a few, it was nothing compared to that first experience. September is clearly the month when activity is at its most intense — something the guides confirmed to me.

The post Encounters with Whales: Three Oceans, Three Adventures first appeared on NaturElfes.

During our road trip in Florida, I had one goal in mind: to see manatees! Unfortunately, since we had to postpone the trip, I knew it would be a little more challenging… But, as often happens, nature was incredibly generous, and that’s how I fell in love with one of its most adorable creatures 😊!

Who am I?

I’m the manatee, sometimes nicknamed the ‘sea cow,’ and my ancestors inspired the legend of mermaids. Despite what you might think 😉, I have very little fat and need warm water to survive. That means I have to move around to find spots where the water temperature is just right for me (above 21°C). I spend most of my day grazing on aquatic plants, my main food, and I regularly come to the surface to breathe. I can grow up to 4 meters long and weigh nearly 600 kg. My reproduction is slow: I carry my calf for about 12 months, and it will stay by my side for around two years.
Even though I might make you want to hug me, I’m a protected species, and it’s very important to keep a safe distance when you meet me. Every interaction should be gentle and respectful—just like me 😊.

Where to find me?

I hang out in warm waters, rivers, and natural springs. You’re most likely to spot me in winter, between November and March. During this time, we gather in the springs, drawn by the constant and warmer water temperatures.

Some places have become famous for spotting me easily, such as Crystal River or Blue Spring State Park. There, we gather in winter, sometimes in their hundreds — a truly impressive sight. And while you’re there, you might also witness another magical spectacle: the firefly ballet! Of course, you can also spot me elsewhere in Florida, such as in the Weeki Wachee River, the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, and more.

First Encounters

We caught a brief glimpse of our first manatee noses 😉 at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, from the Manatee Observation Deck, but the water was murky at the time. Our first real encounter, however, happened during a canoe trip in the beautiful Silver Springs State Park.

As often happens, it appeared just when we least expected it. Just when we thought we’d come back empty-handed, a magnificent manatee swam right past our canoe. The encounter was brief but intense. By sliding the camera underwater, we even managed to capture a completely unexpected shot—taken literally blind 😉—something we never imagined we’d get!

Swimming with a beautiful mermaid

After weighing the pros and cons, I booked a trip to Crystal River with Fun 2 Dive to swim with the manatees. The company seemed responsible and respectful of the animals, and indeed, that was the case. It was just the two of us, along with an adorable family of four, and our boat was the only one in the area. Despite the season, we were lucky enough to get a very close encounter with a manatee. An incredible moment, especially when Mrs. Manatee decided to snuggle up to me 😍! Of course, during peak season, the experience must be even more amazing!

I should mention that the rules for this encounter were very strict: no sudden movements when moving around, no getting too close (at least for us 😉), and observation time was limited. The guide made sure everything was strictly respected.

Nothing but love, pure love

Ultimately, our most amazing moment with these incredible animals happened at Three Sisters Springs, a place well-known for its manatee population. Yet, when we arrived, the sign at the entrance said there were no manatees that day… and imagine our surprise when we stumbled upon a mother and her adorable calf in a truly idyllic setting! Crystal-clear blue water, lush vegetation, jumping fish 😉, birds… in short, just perfect!

We stayed for a long, long time just watching them, and even had a picnic on a bench to prolong this extraordinary moment. I didn’t know it at the time, but it’s actually possible to go snorkeling in this beautiful place, with certain areas specially reserved for manatees.

After this encounter, we didn’t see any again, except in the Keys, where we spotted some swimming along the beach near our hotel. I knew before leaving that I would love them, and it far exceeded my expectations! We both completely fell in love with these animals, which radiate so much gentleness. I even decided to “adopt” one upon returning through the Save the Manatee Club, and I am now the sponsor of beautiful Phyllis 😉!

The post Falling in Love with Florida’s Manatees first appeared on NaturElfes.

Quebec is my “home” at heart, and I’ve been there many times. I’ve been lucky enough to cross paths with many animals. Here’s a little glimpse of the adorable inhabitants (besides the Quebecers 😉) you might encounter if you ever get the chance to explore this beautiful Canadian region.

Beavers

Beavers can be found almost anywhere water flows. They can be observed year-round, but spring and summer offer the best chances to see them active, especially at dusk and during the night. I was lucky enough to watch several of them swimming, feeding, and even slapping the water with their tail, very impressive 😉. I spotted them in several national parks, including Forillon and La Mauricie, but it was at Plaisance National Park where I had the most sightings.

Moose

The moose is the largest member of the deer family in North America. It is widespread in Quebec’s forests, especially in the north and in more remote wilderness areas. Usually solitary, or sometimes seen in small groups, it is most active at dawn and dusk. I was lucky enough to observe two of them in summer in Gaspésie National Park: a magnificent male, completely unafraid, calmly feeding right beside the trail, and a female peacefully resting nearby.

What’s incredible is that despite their massive size, they blend perfectly into the surroundings. The third encounter was a real surprise: it happened on a ski trail right in the town of Mont-Tremblant, completely unexpected.

Cetaceans

Quebec is home to a rich diversity of whales in the St. Lawrence River and its surrounding waters. Among them are several species of rorquals (including humpback and fin whales), as well as porpoises and belugas. To get closer to them, you can join boat excursions, ideally in small groups. However, it is also entirely possible to observe them from the shore, there are several great spots for this between Tadoussac and Les Escoumins.

I was able to see many whales simply by sitting quietly along the St. Lawrence River, in a stunning landscape — truly magical! I also went on two whale-watching boat trips, one in July and the other in September. Both experiences were incredible, during which I saw common minke whales and porpoises. September was definitely the month with the most activity, which locals confirmed to me. It’s also worth noting that belugas are often spotted during the ferry crossing at Tadoussac.

Black bear

The black bear is found throughout much of Quebec’s forests, although its density varies depending on the region. You’re more likely to spot one in national parks and protected areas, but it remains a discreet animal that is rarely seen. That’s what makes it even more extraordinary to have had the chance to see one. It happened during an autumn road trip, as we were driving along the road that crosses Jacques-Cartier National Park, when I suddenly spotted one. You can imagine how euphoric I was 😉!

Fortunately, there was a small parking area, so we were able to watch it calmly. Then, when it got into the water and started heading toward our shore, we quickly got back into the car. It was the day after we arrived in Quebec, and let’s just say I told everyone we met afterward about this incredible encounter 😉.

Seals

Seals are mainly found along the St. Lawrence River and on its islands. Several species can be observed there, including the harbor seal and the gray seal.
My first encounter with them took place in Gaspésie, during the summer, in Bic and Forillon National Parks.

Later, I was lucky enough to have an incredible adventure in the Magdalen Islands in the middle of winter: going to meet Greenland seals and their adorable babies, the famous whitecoat pups, on the ice floe.

A dream come true, almost at the last minute, since this activity stopped shortly afterward due to the lack of sufficiently solid ice.

Red fox

The red fox is widespread throughout Quebec. Like many wild animals, it is most active at dawn and dusk. You can spot it fairly easily in national parks and nature reserves. We were lucky to see several in La Mauricie National Park. They seemed very relaxed 😉, which allowed me to take some beautiful photos and fully enjoy these encounters.

Birds

Quebec is home to a great diversity of birds. Beyond the cute songbirds, I was able to observe woodpeckers, beautiful blue jays, seabirds, and the stunning common loon.

The famous Canada geese were also present, and in autumn at the Cap-Tourmente National Wildlife Reserve, I witnessed the impressive migratory stopover of the greater snow goose: dozens of white geese gathered together, a spectacular sight.

Finally, I ended up crossing paths with the stunning grouse in Grands-Jardins National Park

Caribou

The caribou is the northernmost member of the deer family in Quebec, living mainly in the taiga and boreal regions. Today, populations are limited and often difficult to spot. Outside the remote wilderness of northern Quebec, the only place you can realistically hope to see them is Gaspésie National Park, particularly along the Mont Jacques-Cartier trail. It’s a fairly demanding hike: 8.3 km round trip with an elevation gain of 465 m, and it is regulated. To protect the caribou, the trailhead is only accessible by shuttle in the morning, and the trail is open from July 1st to September 30th.

Naturally, during my road trip in Gaspésie, I had this hike on my list. To maximize my chances, I took the first shuttle, and despite the elevation gain, I managed to be among the first at the summit. Only animals can make me pull off such feats 😉. At the top, the reward was there: a female caribou that let me watch her for a few moments before disappearing. It was also on this trail that I saw my first male moose!

Porcupine

The porcupine is found throughout Quebec, both in dense forests and more open areas. Mainly nocturnal, it spends the day resting in tree cavities or burrows.

I had no idea this animal lived in Quebec, and it was in Forillon National Park that I came across two adorable balls of fur… and quills, right in the middle of a picnic 😉. To my delight, they seemed completely indifferent to my presence, which allowed me to watch them for a long time. Another favorite animal encounter 😊!

And many more…

Of course, there were plenty of other encounters, like squirrels, deer, rabbits… Some of these species are particularly common and much less shy compared to those you can see in France. I was able to enjoy them to the fullest 😉!

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While planning our road trip in Florida, I discovered that it’s possible to witness one of nature’s most magical shows: the fireflies.
Capturing this phenomenon in photos or videos is tricky — a long exposure is needed to truly do justice to the beauty of the moment. That’s why, for this article, the firefly images come from online sources. Now, off to Florida for an evening full of magic.

Who am I?

“I am a firefly, a small glowing beetle, not to be confused with glowworms, which, unlike me, don’t fly. My tiny body hides a superpower: I can produce light, a phenomenon called bioluminescence. This light can be green, yellow, or orange — and even my eggs glow at night!
Beyond its beauty, my light helps me communicate with other fireflies and find a mate. My life cycle is short and precious: as an adult, I only live a few weeks, just long enough to reproduce. Each evening during this brief period, I join my fellow fireflies in a perfectly synchronized light dance, turning spring nights into a magical spectacle.

Where to find me?

Every year, for just a few weeks between March and April, Blue Spring State Park in Florida allows visitors to witness our spectacular show. This event, called ‘Firefly Nights,’ takes place after the park’s regular closing hours and requires a ticket. Tickets can be purchased online, guaranteeing entry, or on the day of the event at the park, though availability is not guaranteed. The ticket price ($14) is in addition to the park’s regular entrance fee.

Our appearance depends on the weather: we prefer warm evenings with no rain and no wind. Each night, our activity level (from low to high) is assessed by the park and shared on social media, helping visitors choose the best time to see us. Once night falls, you can start observing us while walking along the boardwalk through the forest, until the park closes at 9 PM. Keep in mind, our display is brief and attracts many visitors, so you won’t be alone — but we promise it will still be magical.

The Enchanted Forest

With all the right weather conditions on the day of our visit, I was really excited to witness this spectacle. We arrived at the park around 5 PM and enjoyed its beauty and wildlife.

We walked along the boardwalk through the forest once, then had a picnic at one of the park’s many tables, under beautiful trees. After a stunning sunset, we returned to the boardwalk, eagerly waiting for the ‘show’ to begin.

As we walked along peacefully, we heard a rustle and spotted an armadillo — a wonderful little gift 😊! Barely recovering from the surprise, I noticed a tiny green flicker, then a second, a third… Even knowing why I was there, it took me a few seconds to realize: the fireflies’ dance had begun.
Gradually, their numbers increased until the entire forest was lit up. In an instant, the scenery transformed into a truly magical, enchanting landscape, as if someone had decorated the forest with Christmas lights 😊. We were surrounded by thousands of tiny green lights, blinking and moving through the darkness, sometimes right beside us. We walked the boardwalk twice, unable to take our eyes off this magical spectacle. Then, reluctantly, we made our way back.
As we left the park, we noticed that the forest along the road was sparkling too: thousands of tiny lights glimmered among the trees, offering one last moment of magic.

That moment was truly incredible, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful experiences we’ve ever had. It was so magical that I still feel deeply grateful to have been there at the right time to witness this unique spectacle. The following day, the park’s Facebook page confirmed that firefly activity had been particularly intense that evening.

The post A Magical Night in Florida: The Dance of the Fireflies first appeared on NaturElfes.

During my last trip to Norway (see post), I had hesitated to go see the musk oxen, but the long drive had put me off… Still drawn to these magnificent prehistoric “moo-moos,” I took advantage of the magical colors of the Norwegian tundra in autumn to go in search of them.

Who am I?

I am the musk ox, a true survivor from prehistoric times. With my thick, woolly coat, I am perfectly adapted to nordic climates and capable of withstanding the extreme temperatures of the tundra. I am imposing : I can reach 1.5 m at the shoulder and weigh up to 400 kg. My massive crescent-shaped horns, present in both males and females, are used to defend myself and assert my place within the herd, where I live alongside other individuals. Our herds can count between 10 and 30 individuals, whose composition varies depending on the season. Like you, my young develops in my womb for 9 months, but it only stays by my side for the first two years of its life 😉. It is nevertheless relatively independent from the age of two months, capable of finding most of its own food, which consists mainly of lichens and tundra grasses. To communicate, we use grunts, calls and powerful snorts, which warn other herd members, signal a threat or maintain group cohesion. Once extinct in Norway, I was reintroduced into Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park, but I can also be found in Alaska, Canada, Greenland and Siberia.

Where to find me?

If you want to meet me in Norway, there is only one place where I still live in the wild: Dovrefjell–Sunndalsfjella National Park (along the E6 road, between Oslo and Trondheim).
Good news: I’m here all year round, but despite my size, I’m not that easy to spot.
By following the Musk Ox Trail, you’ll have a good chance of catching a glimpse of me. Several hiking trails are available, depending on how much you feel like walking. You can also take a detour to the Høgsnyta viewpoint (1,320 m above sea level), where I’m often seen.
Please note that you can only encounter me on the west side of the E6 highway (the left side on the map).

If you like, there are also guided tours with a guide who knows how to spot me. In any case, you’ll need patience, strong legs 😉, and perhaps several attempts to get lucky and see me. Keep in mind that I share this territory with other charming residents: wild reindeer, moose, and arctic foxes… plenty of reasons to come and explore the park!

On the Trail of a Prehistoric Animal

The day after our arrival, we decided to head out in the late afternoon into Dovrefjell National Park. We chose to do the short 5.2 km loop, starting from the Kongsvold Fjeldstue Hotel and returning via the station. The first two kilometers steadily climb through a birch forest before opening up onto the barren plateau, a stunning tundra painted with the colors of autumn.

This is where we began our search for these magnificent giants. The hardest part was choosing which path to take, but we decided to continue the loop.

We scanned every corner with our binoculars, watched people in the distance to see if they spotted anything, and noticed many signs of their presence—droppings, tracks… but no oxen in sight.

We started to climb up to the Høgsnyta viewpoint, but eventually turned back, exhausted from our long morning hike. The descent along the other trail back to the station was tough—the path is narrow and rugged. Along the way, we met a lovely couple from Quebec, who had started at the same time but on a different route. They hadn’t seen any musk oxen either. This first attempt mainly helped us get familiar with the terrain and plan our second expedition, with a bit more strategy 😉.
A little aside: the park is absolutely stunning, especially with the autumn colors. It’s wild, vast, and really makes you want to come and do a trek! We even came across several people camping in the area.

The Magic Moment

Two days later, we were back, this time just after sunrise. We decided to go up and come down the same trail (the one right across from the hotel) to save our energy for exploring the plateau! Once again, the ascent took us through birch trees and the fiery colors of autumn.

Once we reached the top, we left the Musk Ox Trail and went straight ahead, without any particular reason, simply because this spot was calling me. I had braced myself for hours of searching… but after only a few meters, three dark shapes started moving in the distance. I first checked through the lens, a bit in disbelief, before letting my joy explode—they were there! Two adults and a calf 😊.

Since we were still far away, we decided to get closer—it’s amazing how fast I can move when I’m motivated 😉. We circled around them at a distance and sat down to watch. They, on the other hand, kept moving for a while before lying down in the tundra for a nap 😊.

In the end, the cold got the better of us and we had to leave them, with heavy hearts but deeply fulfilled. Still euphoric from the encounter, we slowly made our way back down to the car.

The post On the Trail of Musk Oxen in Norway first appeared on NaturElfes.

As with every trip I take, I’m always on the lookout for which wild animal I might encounter. So when the idea of going to Reunion Island came up, I immediately added this adorable little resident to my list.
Let’s go in search of Rapunzel’s little chameleon “Pascal” 😉.

Who am I?

Belonging to the species Furcifer pardalis, I am also known as the “Sleepy” Chameleon of Réunion. My nickname comes from the way I move: very, very slowly 😊. I was introduced to the island from Madagascar in the 17th century, and today I am protected and considered a symbol of Réunion’s wildlife.
Males are much more colorful than females: bright green, turquoise blue, orange, or red, while females display softer shades.
Contrary to what you might think, I mostly change color to communicate. These changes can signal different moods, deter a predator, or impress a rival.
Another surprising fact: my eyes can move independently of each other, allowing me to look in two directions at once!

Where to find me?

Even though I’m quite common on the island, I’m not so easy to spot because I’m small and a master of camouflage 😊. If you want to catch a glimpse of me in my natural habitat, you’ll need patience, a keen eye, and a bit of luck.

I can be found throughout Réunion Island, up to about 1,000 meters in altitude, mainly in wooded areas, sugarcane fields, parks, and gardens. If you’re visiting Réunion, you’ll most likely spot me in botanical gardens, such as Jardin d’Éden. To increase your chances, note that the wet season (December to March) is the best time to see me, as I’m more active during this period.

In Search of Pascal

On the very first day of our arrival, we headed straight to the Garden of Eden for my favourite activity : searching for nature’s hidden treasures. We walked through it several times, scrutinising every branch, every leaf… But despite the signs announcing their presence, not a single “Pascal” in sight 😉. The person at the reception explained that September was not the best time to spot them. Which didn’t stop us from having a wonderful time there. We absolutely loved this small, very authentic and intimate garden, teeming with so many other wonders : colourful tropical flowers, a peaceful atmosphere, and above all adorable little green geckos.

The Encounter

On the last day of our trip, after several unsuccessful searches during our hikes and a visit to another botanical garden, we returned to Jardin d’Éden. And this time, nature gave us the most wonderful gift. Around a bush, our eyes finally fell on a tiny ochre creature, perfectly still amid the vegetation. Pure bliss!

We spent a long time observing this extraordinary animal: its very slow movements, the shape of its little feet, and especially its famous eyes that move in opposite directions. As amazing as it was unsettling—and we still didn’t get to see its tongue 😉!

As we continued along the trail, another burst of joy: a second chameleon, a bit more colorful, well hidden among the leaves. This one performed a few acrobatics (still in slow motion 😉), perfect for admiring its unique movements. Finding two “Pascals” on the last day was the perfect way to end this trip. A trip that also allowed me to encounter an animal just a tiny bit bigger than the chameleon… the humpback whale 😉!

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