What do you do when you perceive a threat? I spent some time observing Dall Sheep, and this is what I learned from them.

Is it a Dance or a Hike?
“On this disco hike, we’ll get off near a stream and hike uphill towards Cathedral Mountain,” the park ranger told us.
“Disco hike? I didn’t realize we had to dance!” one of the other participants grumbled.
“We call them ‘disco hikes’ because it’s easier than saying ‘discovery hike’ each time,” the ranger said with a grin. “Hopefully we’ll see some Dall Sheep and other wildlife along the way.”
The bus pulled over next to the road and the dozen disco hikers piled out. I settled my camera backpack on my shoulders and adjusted my hiking poles.
“Where’s the trailhead?” one of the other hikers asked.
“No trailhead, and no real trail,” the ranger said. “In Denali, you can hike anywhere. We just ask visitors to spread out when they travel over the tundra ecosystem.”
“Cool!” another hiker enthused. “I’ve never hiked off a trail before.” Others murmured their agreement.
“How do we get back to our camp?” someone asked.
“Good question,” the ranger said. “You can flag down any transit bus and ride back to the park headquarters on a space-available basis. Which is what we’ll do when this disco hike ends.”
When You Perceive Danger
We started up a narrow animal trail next to the creek, and quickly gained elevation. I’d tried getting good photos of Dall Sheep for the past three summers but hadn’t had any success. Maybe this time.
Halfway up, we stopped to catch our breath and take in the views. I heard a rock rattling down the side of the mountain and whipped around to see what made it fall. A small flock of Dall Sheep skittered away.
I pulled out my camera, determined to have everything ready if we saw the sheep again. Because Dall Sheep in Denali aren’t hunted, I hoped they wouldn’t perceive our friendly group of hikers as a serious threat.
We continued uphill, moving from side to side of the creek as the vegetation demanded. Suddenly, we came out next to a rocky outcrop with a green carpet of grass. Not 50 feet away a ewe calmly ripped a mouthful of grass and turned to gaze at me while she chewed it.

Other hikers pointed and looked, and a few stopped to snap photos. Not wanting to get too far behind, I hiked, but stopped to take photos every few yards. After fifteen minutes, I noticed something moving higher up on the ridge.
I grabbed my binoculars to get a closer look and saw a small flock of lambs and medium-sized sheep running down the ridge towards me. The ewes noticed the movement and stood at attention while their lambs came charging towards them.

Evidently, the lambs and sub-adults had escaped higher up when the flock first noticed our movement. Once they categorized us as a non-threat, the ‘babysitters’ brought the lambs back to their mothers.
Spiritual Lessons from Dall Sheep
While this post is about photography, it’s also about spiritual self-care and spiritual wholeness—part of my regular Self-Care Sunday lineup. I’ll never forget the exuberance of the lambs as they dashed towards their mothers. I also learned a few things about how to handle danger.
1. Be alert.
Wild animals must keep vigilant in order to perceive both danger and possible food sources. The Bible warns us to “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 We need to stay alert because the devil has all kinds of tricks up his sleeve. We might not perceive his innocent-looking hooks as threats. Part of spiritual self-care involves asking God to help us perceive danger.
2. Remain calm (running encourages predators).
The Dall Sheep remained calm when they saw our group instead of immediately rushing off in fright. Likewise, we don’t need to freak out when we perceive an attack from the evil one.
Dall Sheep also understood their capabilities. They can scramble up and down places humans or bears would find difficult to negotiate. While the devil may be out to get us, we can remain calm in God’s capabilities to fight off the attacks for us.
3. Send others to safety.
As soon as they perceive danger, the ewes send the youngsters to higher ground to avoid a threat. When we sense danger to our children, we can redouble our prayers for them. We don’t have to wrap our children in cotton, but we can entrust them to a higher authority—our heavenly Father.

4. Call Out to Others
While the Dall sheep didn’t roar or cause a ruckus, we could hear their quiet bleats as they communicated with each other. When we perceive a spiritual threat, we can call out to each other for support, too. James 5:16 urges us to pray for one another, and Matthew 18:20 assures us when we pray together, God will be with us.
5. Don’t live in fear
A hyper-vigilant sheep ends up malnourished. While aware of the danger, the ewes didn’t stop eating. Once they understood we meant no harm, they called their lambs to them and fed their lambs.
We have a Good Shepherd who will watch over us and guide us. All we have to do is ask.
“God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we’re free of worry on Judgment Day—our standing in the world is identical with Christ’s. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love.”
1 John 4:18 The Message
Take turns resting
I’ve spent hours observing Dall Sheep, both in Denali National Park and near Anchorage at Beluga Point. I’ve noticed how when one ewe lays down to rest, the others keep watch. I’ve never seen an entire flock resting at the same time. But they do rest.
We need to take time to rest as well. While we can capably do just about anything, it doesn’t mean we have to do everything. We can learn to delegate and enlist help from our family members so we, too, can take a turn resting. When danger lurks, we still need to guard our times of rest. If we fail to do this, we might not have the resources to cope.
Your Homework
Schedule some time to observe nature. We have a biblical precedent for observing nature in Proverbs 6:6 and Proverbs 30:25. I’ve discovered I learn more from nature when I have a camera in hand. The learning happens while I shoot, and when I process the photos.
Think about how you currently react to threats and dangers. Can you learn anything from the Dall Sheep?

28 days Behind the Lens
If you’ve stumbled upon this post and want to know where to find more posts about photography and life, click here. The series will help you learn how to use your DSLR camera and how to photograph specific subjects—bears, hummingbirds, sunrises, sunsets, the moon, and people.
We have been watching National Geographic documentaries while my husband recovers from surgery , and we’re amazed at how much we learn from animal behavior!
Michele Morin recently posted…What to Do When You Need a Helper
I love watching animal documentaries! I hope your hubby recovers quickly!
Anita Ojeda recently posted…Do You Need to Keep Up Persistent Chatter While Photographing Portraits?
Wow! What beautiful pictures of the dall sheep. I hope to be able to visit Denali when the pandemic is over. So many places I want to go! You learned some good lessons from nature, Anita. You are so right – I am a better observer when I have a camera in hand too. I especially love your takeaway #5. Thanks for the good reminder.
Laurie recently posted…February Four Somethings
Oh, I hope you get to go! It’s an amazing place. All of Alaska is pretty amazing. Keep me posted, I might happen to be in state when you go on your adventure!
Anita Ojeda recently posted…What Can We Learn from Bears’ Hibernation to Help Us Feel More Rested?
Beautiful pictures of the sheep and their lambs! I enjoyed your observations of the interactions of the sheep. We can benefit from a community perspective, looking out for those around us.
As an introvert, I probably don’t do enough community-looking-out-for-others. But we are all part of God’s family and are called to help each other out!
Anita Ojeda recently posted…Keys to Enable You to Take Outstanding Photos of Hummingbirds
I had never heard of dall sheep. I like the idea of being cautious yet not panicky. And watching out for each other.
Barbara Harper recently posted…Putting Ourselves Forward
Dall (or Dall’s) sheep are a thin-horn species of wild sheep that are only found in Alaska, the Yukon Territory, and northern British Columbia. Their southern cousins are called Stone (or Stone’s) sheep. The Dall sheep are white and the Stone sheep are more grey.
Anita Ojeda recently posted…Five Lessons from Dall Sheep on What to do When You Perceive a Threat
Beautiful post, Anita. I am absolutely fascinated and intrigued by the behaviors of animals, especially undomesticated animals in the wild (although the behaviors of domesticated animals is rather fascinating, too). I once went horseback riding through lava fields in Iceland and it really is truly amazing how they navigate the tedious terrain, sure of foot and certain of direction. My horse even slipped on the snow covered lava a few times, never panicking, never falling, but always regaining her footing quickly and continuing on as confidently as before. We can definitely learn much from animals and their behaviors.
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
What an amazing experience to ride horses over snow-covered lava fields in Iceland! God’s creation never ceases to amaze me.
Anita Ojeda recently posted…Why Your Perception May be Lying to You When You Snap a Photo
Anita,
Awesome observations from God’s creation. When I read #2 I thought of Exodus 14:14: The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. I think we need to be more like the Dall sheep!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Bev Rihtarchik recently posted…When God Says, “No”
That’s a wonderful promise to hold on to, Bev–no matter what is happening in our lives!
Anita Ojeda recently posted…Hit a Creative Roadblock? Learn How to Recuperate
Beautiful photos. I loved the reminder of God’s capabilities. When I become aware of my inability, may I remember He remains capable at all times.
Yes! And sometimes it takes me FAR too long to recognize my own inability ;).
Anita Ojeda recently posted…SCH 040 Five Self-Care Hacks to Help You Set Bedtime Routines
Aw, the little lambs are my favorite! What wonderful adventures you go on, Anita. I’m glad you document them with your beautiful photos.
Lisa notes recently posted…It’s the Season of Spiritual Poverty
:). Life is an adventure! I’m blessed to work in education so I have time to recuperate and bring freshness back to my classroom.
Anita Ojeda recently posted…What Can We Learn from Bears’ Hibernation to Help Us Feel More Rested?
Loved this, Anita. I’ve never heard of Dall sheep, but I enjoyed how you took us on this Disco hike with you. The photos are lovely and the spiritual analogy and points are great insight.
Karen Friday recently posted…5 Ways to Foster a Relentless Faith
Thanks for stopping by, Karen! If you ever make it to Denali, make sure you join a Disco hike ;).
Anita Ojeda recently posted…SCH 041 Hacks for When Life Throws You Curveballs
Lovely analogy of what to do when we face hard things!
Rebecca Hastings recently posted…The Best Books to Help You Grow Your Prayer Life
Thank you, Rebecca :).
Anita Ojeda recently posted…SCH 041 Hacks for When Life Throws You Curveballs
Such cute pictures. I love it when we use nature to trach us lessons. I think this is a way of tending the garden. God’s lessons are all around in nature, and it is fun to see them. Thanks for these. I like the one about staying calm. And taking turns to rest.
Theresa Boedeker recently posted…Don’t Dread Being An Amateur
Nature has so many lessons about God, his love, his character, and how best to trust, doesn’t it?
Anita Ojeda recently posted…SCH 041 Hacks for When Life Throws You Curveballs
That hike sounds amazing. And great lessons.
Lauren Renee Sparks recently posted…Kissing February ’21 Goodbye
It’s was epic!
Anita Ojeda recently posted…SCH 041 Hacks for When Life Throws You Curveballs
Oh, I love the photos and the lessons from sheep. I have written of the way God uses sheep to describe us and I must agree. Those lambs leaping towards you must’ve been just a sight to see! Thanks for sharing.
~ linda recently posted…To Covet; Not to Covet
Domesticated sheep don’t seem half as smart as wild ones…I wonder what analogy we could draw from that?
Anita Ojeda recently posted…SCH 041 Hacks for When Life Throws You Curveballs
I loved your lessons from these Dall sheep. And your photos? Wow, you captured emotion and beauty. Your five points make so much sense. As we work through a hard season with a loved one, I appreciated the reminder that we can stay calm because God is big enough to fight off our enemies and to be our protector.
The lessons we learn from watching God’s creatures – so, so good.
Susan Shipe recently posted…Would You Ask Me?
I agree Anita about the lessons learned in nature! I learnt so much in the Lord while working as a Wool grower & farmer with my late husband.
Blessings,
Jennifer
Tea With Jennifer recently posted…Sustenance in the Wilderness
What a great blog post!
I love those goats so much…especially the baby ones :).
Sinziana recently posted…LOOKFANTASTIC Beauty Box September 2021 Unboxing + Coupon!
Aren’t they adorable?