Don Balke (B. 1933) "Mountain Caribou and Western Hemlock" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor painting. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This art was originally published in the limited edition collection of philatelic proofcards issued by Fleetwood and the National Audubon Society for the Wildlife of the 50 States. Swimming, running or snowshoeing across countless miles, Mountain Caribou always seem to be on the move. When they travel over land, their tendons click against their feet, making a noise that can be heard up to one hundred feet away. Part of the reason they are so mobile is that the tasty moss and lichen that they love to eat grows slowly. So, America's native reindeer must range over a wide area. Caribou are well equipped for their travels. About four feet tall, Caribou can weigh up to 375 pounds. Part of this weight comes from thick pads of fat that keep the animals warm during freezing northern winters. These fatty tissues are protected by coats that vary in color from white to brown, and tiny air pockets among the fine hairs act as natural life jackets when the occasionally aquatic Caribou take to the water. In addition, their broad hooves make excellent snowshoes. In the fall, when Caribou mate, jealous males guard large harems until the rutting season ends. Then, in the spring, female Caribou, now heavy with their fawns, are first to leave winter feeding grounds to deliver their young in solitude. Soon after birth, the spotted fawns begin to follow their mothers about. By fall, the fawns are mature enough to follow the herd to winter ranges. This artwork depicts a mighty Mountain Caribou, a member of the single Caribou species that ranges south of the Canadian border. The powerful animal is grazing in front of a stand of Washington's beautiful state tree, the Western Hemlock. Image Size: 12 x 13.75 in. Overall Size: 20.25 x 23 in. Unframed. (B06418)